The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1905-04-20

success. the doctrines which II has
taught have grown steadily In public
favor. Hosts of those who looked upon
the declarations in the Omaha plat
form when it was adopted as little
short of revolution and anarchy now
regard them as safe and sane. The
populist party and populist press has
taught them SO. If the one question of
government ownership Of railroads, a
distinctly populist idea, could be sub
mitted to the people for their decision,
free from any partisan prejudice, it
would now be approved by an over
whelming majority. Public sentiment
is fast crystallizing around this most
important political issue. In the near
future it will overshadow all others.
Before any progress towards reform
can be had, railroad rule in politics
must be overthrown. The rebate and
the free pass evil must be destroyed.
Around this issue will be fought the
hardest political battle of the century.
In many states the movement has al
ready gained great Roadway. Folk in
Missouri, LaFollette in Wisconsin,
Mayor Dunno in Chicago and others
are already recognized leaders Of the
reform in their respective localities.
The same movement is on foot in other
states with most promising results.
In Nebraska during the last cam
paign the railroad question was the
real issue. Upon that plank Hon.
George w. Berge made his canvass for
governor. The result was splendid
showing for the reform forces. Mr..
Berge received the populist vote, the
Bryan democrat vote, and more than
10000 republican votes. He received a
vote equally flattering when he made
his canvass for congress on the same
issue four years earlier. His splendid
campaigns have made him the recog-
nized leader of the reform forces in
this section of the country.
He has fully resolved to continue
the contest until success for the people
is achieved. For this purpose he has
purchased The Independent and will
push it's circulation vigorously. No ex-
pense will be spared to make it the
ablest champion Of the peoples cause.
Mr.. Berge is a great student of politi-
cal questions, an orator of the first
class, persistent and enthusiastic la
borer for the cause of justice Under
his direction the readers of The hide
pendent may be sure that no backward
steps will be taken He will sound a
charge, not retreat and among his
faithful soldiers | sincerely trust will
be found all those who have been SO
loyal to The Independent in the past
With grateful thinks to friends fo1
past support | leave The Independent
to the care and custody of my success.
sor, Hon. George w. Berge.
FRANK D. EAGER.
Lincoln, Neb., 1928 o Street.
&S$S&>S$$
To the Readers of The Independent
1t is with much diffidence that ]
take up this work where my esteemed
and able predecessors lay it down.
am conscious of the duties and respon-
sibilities this undertaking brings upon
me- Except for the abiding faith
have in the people and that right will
ultimately prevail, would not feel
equal to the task. | would approach
the work with a faltering step if did
not know something about the readers
OF The Independent. AS body OF
men believe them to be the best fight.
ing regiment in all this land. They
are all battle SCARED veterans in the
fight. They are men who believe some.
thing. They are men who have con
victions. They love truth and justice