Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1906-09-27
THE CONGRESSIONAL
CONTEST.


II In our case the representative
system ultimately fails popular gov
eminent must be pronounced impos-
sibe. No combination Of circum-
stances more favorable to the expert
ment can ever be expected TO occur.
The last hopes Of mankind, therefore,
rests with us; and If IL should be pro-
claimed that our example had become
an argument against the experiment
the knell OF popular liberty would be
sounded throughout the earth. Daniel
Webster.
The election OF j. w. Murphy over
J. w. BaJcock, for representative In
congress would greatly tend TO re-
establish in southwestern Wisconsin n
firm and abiding faith in representa-
tive self government. While Mr..
Babcock has already held the Office
for seven consecutive terms he has
never been taken and accepted, here
nj home, as the unbiased, spontane-
Gus choice Of the people OF the
district. In 1902, while yet q member
of the legislative committee which
apportioned the state into congressi-
onal, senatorial, and assembly dis
tricts, he came down from his home
in Juneau county, and, by hustling,
secured the Republican nomination.
And the nomination was equivalent to
election. During the early part OF
his congressional career the currency
was the paramount issue; and he took
strong ground in favor OF u single
gold standard, and helped Grover
Clevelaod secure the repeal OF the
compulsory purchase clause of the
Sherman silver law, And all of the
time he has been n diligent, potential
member Of congress. But for all
that we submit that he has not credi-
tably distinguished himself in ma
tiona legislation. His public record
uiscloses 80 many reasons why he
should not be returned to congress
that they are almost too numerous to
mention. Notably may be named, his
course in regard to the excise on beer,
his great tariff reform promises and
little fulii lment, his collection of cam
paign funds from corporations, and
his opposition to the administration
measure providing for reduction of
customs duties on imports from the
Philippine islands. For these aud
many more acts OF omission and com
mission, Mr.. Babcock should be de-
fcated.
but the matter of representation or
misrepresentation furnishes an all
sufficient reason for the retirement OF
Mr.. Babcock and the election Of Mr..
Murphy.
The Democrats have named Mr..
Murphy as their unanimous choice.
He Is trusty, able man, and fairly
representative OF the people Of the
whole district He would well repre-
sent southwestern Wisconsin in the
house Of representatives.
On the other hand, can 1t be said
that Mr.. Babcock is the spontaneous
choice Of his party. Everywhere
throughout the district are to be
found representation Republicans by
the score TO whom such ~ claim Is
incredible. But the firm hold which
he has long held on their party organ
ization has been made more secure by
the Ill advised primary election law,
And their last hope OF defeating him
within party lines is gone, II they
would ever throw of his domination,
their plain duty Is to vote for the
Democratic candidate and make his
election sure.
The election OF Mr., Murphy would
let the world know that the third Wis