The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1905-12-28
REPUBLICAN "HARMoNY."

There seems to be some needless lrrl-
tation among republicans over the
political situation in Iowa. Everybody
has ioreseen it and has known it to be
inevitable. And yet surprise and even
indignation are affected.
There has never been the least reason
to suppose there would be any compro-
mise in the conventions of next year by
which the old machine or the old order
if that term is less offensive, would be
reinstated in power. There has been no
better reason to believe it than to be-
lieve that the reformers in Philadelphia
are about to consent to the return Of
the Penrose regime, or that the republic
cans in New York are about to accept
again the unquestioned leadership of
Platt or Odell.
The old regime in Iowa is not merely
Mr.. Blythe, although because Of his
ability as an organizer his name stands
in the state for what the name of Cox
stands in Ohio, the name of Penrose in
Pennsylvania and the name of Platt in
New York. The old regime is the
regime of men who in secret Offices of
great railway companies make up states
for the government of Iowa and who
through community Of interest, personal
and political are able to number in their
ranks some of the ablest and most re-
spected republicans of the state.
This regime will not be returned to
power in Iowa next year by compromise.
No candidate will be nominated for gov
ernor who represents it's purposes if
there are enough votes in the ranks Of
the "progressives," radicals" "rippers,'
OF by whatever other designation they
may be known, the men who have
organized and maintained the reform
movement in the state. If the issue is
to be forced between Governor Cummins
and Mr.. Blythe, or any man who may
represent Mr.. Blythe, there will be a
lineup behind Governor Cummins. If
the issue is not forced on Governor
Cummins, some other of the men who
believe Iowa should not return to the
addition, division and silence program,
will be presented.
The lines will be drawn in the legis-
lature. The great wave of reform that
is sweeping over the country for honest
primary elections, for taking the power
to name our public officials away from
the bosses and putting it. where it
belongs, with the rank and file of the
the people, will hit this state. Ii the
legislature enacts law which will per-
nit the republicans Of the state to name
their own candidates for governor, for
United States senator and for congress,
there will be no contest, but generous
rivalry before the people for recogni-
ton. If the legislature refuses to
enact such a law, then all other matters
will stand in allegiance until that battle
is fought out.
A great movement is on in the repub-
lican party. 1t is on not only in Iowa
but in every other strongly entrenched
republican state. 1t is movement for
government by the people, and in the
interests of the people,-open and
above board government. This move
ment cannot be sidetracked to crafty
the ambitions of some excellent citizen
who thinks the contention ought to
blow over. 1t cannot be sidetracked
even if all the republican leaders of the
state agree to sidetrack it. The people
alone decide these matters, and when
they cannot express themselves in
party conventions they usually find
means to express themselves at the
polls.
There is no occasion for any heat or
| indignation over the situation. 1t
exists, it has existed for several years.
No one has had any reason to believe
that it would not continue. There has
been no talk Of compromise. There will
| be none. The issue is drawn, and on
| that issue some one will win victory
Register and Leader.
1