The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-12-15

Heery was the only one to respond and
he spent fifteen minutes in ripping up
the Republican party. He applied a
few of his shots at Governor HOch and
his attempted enforcement Of the pro-
hibitory law. Referring to local condi-
tions he said: Gentlemen. it is hard
to make forecasts. but If somebody isn't
getting a rake-of in Topeka, then some
body is a darn fool. 7 have lived In To-
peka Y years For several years was
IN the city council had lots OF fun
there. There were quite a few cases Of
Doodle that might tell you of. .
After Mr.. Switzer had finished his
speech, more volunteers were called for
ana among those who made talks were
". H. Kemper, David Morgan, Council
man Frank Simms Of the First ward
and Councilman Joseph Griley Of the
Second ward.
Mr.. Switzer's Address.
Mr.. Switzer's address in part was as
follows:
II had planned several days ago upon
invitation to prepare a speech, but when
heard that John Atwood was to have
been here, I dropped the idea Z am
not a political speaker. That is not my
profession. But I have always been a
Democrat and whenever q campaign is
on, I think of the old Democratic prin-
ciples. It is apparent now that Democ-
racy is the best form Of government.
Who would have ever thought of the
Republican party today kneeling at the
shrine of Jerry Simpson. Have you
ever read William Allen Whites editor
ial, What Is the Matter With Kansas?
Did You see the standard set up to jerry
Simpson in it?
Il was sorry to hear my friend Michael
Heery give the Republican party i've
years to live. My God, Heery, I hope
you are wrong.
when a man lives in a state, where
an intOlerant majority ranging any
where up to $4,000, as 1t is in Kansas,
wins for the Republicans, a Democrat
falls clearly upon the principles Of his
faith. There are dishonest men in
every party But I do not believe
that there is a man here who would
walk three blocks to hear Demo
cratic speech with the hope of getting
a final political reward for it. No. we
are fighting for principle.
81 understand that this is the
launching of the boom Of Robert Blair
of this city for governor. We make
the suggestion of his candidacy at the
suggestion of no man, at the dictation
of no crowd. We choose him not be-
cause he is a railroad attorney. It
takes a man with stamina in Kansas
to be a railroad attorney and a Demo-
crat-a man who stands up and says;
I viii vote as 1 please, you can have
my place if you want it
81 do not believe that there is
Democrat in Kansas today that knows
him, that knows his life, that knows
MS character VINO Will vote against
him. We have known him ever since
he came to Topeka to practice law.
He has served every trust imposed
upon him. You always know where
to find Bob Blair. Cloud applause.)
I do not believe that a single fault can
be found against him. I believe we
do ourselves an honor when we lend
all our might and main to effect his
nomination. National affairs dWindle
into insighidcance when you consider
things at home. Look after the mat
tiers right here. I believe it right at
times to vote for a Republican. Vote
for principle and for men, There is
not a man in this audience but would
vote for the Republicans If he could
believe that their principles are right.
Every period of history proves that
Democratic principles are right and
must prevail.
1.-THE Republicans are seeing Popu-
listic principles put into effect. Even
President Roosevelt is threatening the
railroads and trusts that unless they
curb themselves, Uncle sam may buy
them out. One-half OF the Republican
party is claWing and scratching and
paving that trusts must be restrained.
You cannot talk to a single Repub-
lican in your midst but he will de-
clare in q low voice, so that his brother
cannot hear him; Yes, the Repub-
licans will have to tear down the tariff
walls Roosevelt has good many
prOclivities that have a Democratic
tinge but Mr.. Roosevelt, I am afraid,
cannot control a senate that is owned
was greeted with vociferOus applause.