Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-04-07
Political Grand Lareenv.

Political Grand Larceny.
Finally the Republican freebooters
Of Colorado managed to rob Governor
Alva Adams of the gubernatorial office
which had been bestowed upon him by
the people Of the Centennial State.
Since another gang Of Republicans
robbed Samuel ]. Tilden of the presi-
dency this Colorado performance is
the greatest crime against free govern
ment committed on this continent or
anywhere else.
Once in Pike county, Mo-, there lived
a wit named Sid Shaw. One night in
st. Louis he bucked faro bank till
his last cent was gone. In the gray
Of the morning friend met Sid and,
noting his disheveled appearance and
forlorn countenance, said, "Sid, what's
the matter?" whereupon Sid replied,
II have been playing the ID fool
and have nothing to show for it!' The
same remark is applicable to ex-Gov-
ernor Peabody. He was fairly and
squarely beaten by Governor Adams,
but at once began contest because
he knew that there was Republican
majority in the legislature and Re-
publican supreme court on the bench
Even with these accessories he could
not get the Office which he coveted.
The legislature could not be induced to
seat him unless he would agree to re-
sign and let Lieutenant Governor Nc
Donald have the Office of governor.
And 1t was SO done, to the lasting In
fanny of all concerned. The chances
are that if ex-senator Wolcott had not
died in the nick Of time this monstrous
outrage on the people Of Colorado
would not have been consummated, for
he hated Peabody and all his works.
His dying message to his followers in
the legislature was to stand firm. It's
clear that IL Peabody was entitled to
serve one day he was equally entitled
to serve the whole term, but unless he
was declared governor the Republican
lieutenant governor could not be made
governor. Consequently the Republic
an majority in the legislature stultified
itself and committed political grand
larceny by seating Peabody for one
day with his resignation already sign
ed, sealed and delivered. They would
not accept his promise; they must have
1t in black and white and in safe
hands.
From time to time we have been re-
called by the lingo organs with the
transparent fable that, while the ELL
pinos were wicked set Of rebels and
the Hawaiians an ungrateful gang of
soreheads because the latter howl for
and the former fight for local self gov
eminent, our dutiful subjects In Porto
Rico were model appurtenances, happy
as CLAIMS at high tide, gratefully ac-
cepting whatever Uncle Sam chooses
to bestow. That this Is all fairy tale
is demonstrated by the latest news
from our West Indian colony to the
effect that these model Porto Ricans
are clamorous for local self govern
mental except our satraps and their
understrappers.
That illustrious Republican refurme,
and apostle of sweetness, purity and
| light Is still pressing his candidacy fol
the United States senate in Delaware
His understudy, Senator Alice, pro
poses to resign IL the legislature viii
elect his patron. Once there was wo
man rho married man to get rid Of
him. Perhaps the Delaware legislature
will finally elect Addicks for the same
reason, but any reason would satisfy
,Addicks. He's not after reasons. What
he wants and means to have II money
| will buy it is senatorial toga.
Surely Hon. William n. Taft Is {
! glutton for work. Not having enough
to do in the war Office. he has taker
over the duties Of secretary Of state
| while Colonel Hay Is seeking health IL
Europe. Why not turn the whole ad
ministration over to Mr.. Taft and LEI
him run 1t? If ever there was lucky
man In this wide, wide world he is one
Things which other men covet and 70,
which they vainly strive are showeret
upon him without his seeking.
The Washington gossip is to the eff
feet that when Governor Leslie NJ
Shaw Of Iowa quits the treasury de
partment to nurse bis presidential
boom Hon. George Bruce Cortelyou
ex-secretary Of commerce and labor
now postmaster general, will succeed
him. Few men have ever held three
different cabinet Offices.
| nj H.