Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-02-15

Railways Two burning Issues In
the Western States Republican
cad May Have to Abandon
Their Stand Pa Attitude.
In Iowa, where the Idea" was born
that the tariff fosters trusts, some Of
the Republican leaders are talking to
the people very plainly. At the Old
Settlers association Of central Iowa,
which recently held it's thirty-ifth an
nual reunion, Hon. Tom j. Bray, chair
man of the Republican party in Powc-
shiek county, delivered an address in
which he said:
"For political purposes the system
is divided into two branches, the rail-
road combination and the American
Protective league.
81 will take UP first the operation Of
the railroad branch Of the system
which is intrusted with the nominal
ton of county and state officials, con-
gressmen and United States senator's.
The railroads, by meal Of the unlimit-
III dAuOuAI VI l ullSpO LdIlOu WHICH
they can issue, are in a position TO
WELD Il powerful influence in politics,
and they never permit a single ounce
Of this influence to go to waste. A lit
tie slip Of yellow paper properly au-
thenticated by a railroad company has
q purchasing power in politics compar-
ed to which the expenditure Of a large
sum Of money would be insignificant.
I believe that the majority of American
men are not susceptible to brides, but
at the same time we are IN exceeding
ly grateful people and always inclined
to return a favor for a favor. The
delegate who receives a free pass to
a convention thereby places himself
under an obligation to the donor Of the
pass, and he discharges this obligation
by voting for candidates for office
whom under any other circumstances
he would consider unworthy Of his
support.
"Under the railroad system Of con-
Quoting politics a thorough organiza-
ton is maintained in each state. This
organization is directed and managed
by the general attorney Of the largest
railway system in the state, who is Sc
lected not because of the legal ability
which he possesses, but because of. his
knowledge Of political tactics. In each
town and city he appoints one or more
local attorneys, who earn their salaries
by distributing free transportation
among the influential citizens of the
community and especially the dele
gates to state and congressional con-
ventions. The delegates to these con-
ventions accept the free passage be-
aus it saves an expenditure of mon
ey. When they reach the city where
the convention is being held the gen
tleman who furnished the transporta-
ton requests them to vote for q GER
tain man for congressman, governor,
railroad commissioner or some other
state office. The favor is granted, and
men are nominated who have in reality
been selected by the railroad political
boss.
"The congressman, upon being elect
ed, finds that his most important duty
Is the appointment Of p%ostnasters in
his district. In most instances the ed
itor Of the local newspaper gets the
appointment. He is glad to accept the
office because Of the salary which goes
with it, and the congressman is glad
to have him accept it because the ed
itor is in a position to perform vulu-
able services for the congressman
through the columns Of the newspaper.
"The editor feels under obligations
for the appointment, and Of curse he
| would not be ungrateful enough to de-
cline to perform any service requested
by his benefactor. The congressman.
being indebted to the railroads for his
nomination and being indebted to the
American Protective league for favors
shown him at Washington, is a tool in
the hands Of the SYSTEM the post
master-editor, for the reasons l have
mentioned, is Il tool In the hands Of
the congressman, and the people are
tools in the hands OF the postmaster
editor. He writes their political gospel,
and they generally accept it without
suspicion"
Mr.. Bray continued by describing
how the railroads in league with the
Republican leaders packed caucuses
and conventions and elected congress
men, legislatures and governors who
were pledged to do the will Of the
railroad boss"
It must be remembered that this Re
publican official was talking to his
neighbors and friends, and the report
says his speech was received With
great enthusiasm. AS the Republican
leaders in congress declare they will
not revise the tariff, and any railroad
rate legislation that will prevent I'M
reasonable rates from being charged
Is likely to be defeated, these Repub-
lican reformers, who are largely in the
~ ;y,,,,;+,- ;p thn;,. WV, Monty will hoNA