Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-09-14
CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR
SPEAKS AT OTTUNTWA.
Address OF Hon. Claude K. Porter, Delivered a.
OffumWa, Thursday, September @. 1906,
Opening Stale Campaign.
ottumwa, Iowa, Sept. 6, 1906.


Some several weeks ago received
a communication from the secretary
of the convention which convened in
this year, officially notifying me that
l had been selected by that conveu-
ton as the democratic nominee for
Governor in this state. Up to this
time l have made no reply to tina,
communication, and desire here thus
publicly to acknowledge the receipt
of the same and signify my accept
ance Of the will of that convention.
think it goes without saying, that
l am deeply grateful to the demo-
Gratis of Iowa for their selection of
me for Ills high office, and extend to
you that are present and the demo-
Gratis at large, my sincere thanks for
this evidence of their regard and es-
TEEN. In thus accepting the nomina-
ton for governor, am not unmind
full of the grave responsibility there
by incurred, and while realizing and
feeling that the banner of democracy
in this campaign might have been
placed IN hands more able and wor-
thy of the trust, yet am sure that
no one will labor more diligently or
sincerely for the triumph of the cause
in which we believe.
Never has it been my privilege to,
at any time, attend a convention like
TINT held in Waterloo. Large in at
tendance, harmonious in purpose,
united in action and enthusiastic in
the cause, it's spirit should find emil
lation in the heart of every democrat
within the borders of our state.
| shall unqualitiedly and unreserv-
eddy accept as the latest expression
OF the democratic principles the
platform adopted at that convention,
declaring, as it does, adherence and
devotion to tue fundamental princi-
pies of the democratic faith tersely
asserted in the words equal rights
to all and special privileges to none.'"
Whether it shall be my lot to lead
the hosts of democracy to victory
OF defeat, before and after the cleo
ton, shall be found expounding
the principles of democracy as set
forth in that document, and assure
you that l shall at no time deem
it within my province to set up stan
dards different from that promulgated
by the authorized representatives OF
democracy of this state.
1t is not my right or privilege to
add to or take from single plank
Of that platform, nor to set up per-
sonal views. If any l have differing
from the majority of my party as
expressed in their convention.
Believing, as do, that no one man
is greater than his party. I shall be
my purpose to do all that | can to
promote unity and harmony, rather
than discord and strife, within the
ranks of the party to which I owe
allegiance.
In this campaign, let no democrat
be deceived or misled by the pre-con-
vention assumption of democratic
tendencies on the part of my distin-
guished opponent, wherein he differs
from his party, but let us all enter
this contest united, earnest, and 10y
al to the great fundamental princi-
pies of democracy as expounded by
that peerless statesman and democ-
racy's high-minded and conceded
leader William Jennings Bryan.
1t las been recently said that "the
record of the servant is his best and
only certificate for continued employ
ment. 1t is the right, yes, the DUTY,
OF every citizen to examine closely
the official record and the public ut
terances of him who is asking an
election, for the first time to par
ticuiar Office or reelection to one.
1t was my privilege to serve my leg
islative district and state in the Iowa
legislature for five consecutive ses-
sions, and cordially invite an ex-
animation of that record by the cleo
tors of the state; especially do do
SO along the line tnat may throw
any light on my position on the state
questions more or less involved in
this present campaign. While on
many of the multitude of questions
on which a legislator is required to
pass judgment, some of you and |
might differ as to the wisdom of some
of my votes, just as we might hon
estly differ on any business PROPOSE
ton OF importance, yet, as for my
self, | know that as between the
people and the corporate interests OF
this state, railroad or otherwise, | was
invariably, by my influence and vote,
on the side of the people; and on all
questions pertaining to legislation
for the benefit of the laborer, have
the satisfaction of knowing with an
equal degree of positiveness that 1
always acted and voted for the inter-
ests of that large class of Iowa citi-
zens who earn their bread by their
daily toll.
Governor Cummins has served his
district and state one term as leg
islator. He has farther served his
state two terms and one half consec-
utiyely as Governor, or one year
more Jnan ever allotted TO any pre-
( vious one, and now presents himself
to the electors in the attitude of de-
handing the unusual, extraordinary
favor of two years more in that
exalted position. Under these pecu-
liar circumstances, it will surely not
be deemed unseemly or unbecoming
in me to invite your attention, for a
brief time, to some of the public
and official utterances and acts Of
him who heads the republican .lcket.
Far be it from me to, in any way,
inspire others, or to personally say
aught against the private character
of ability of Governor Cummins. In
SO far as some of his public acts ana
utterances are legitimate to consider
in the present campaign. believe it
my auty to speak, for lne purpose,
as quoted above from Speaker Can
non, of seeing If his record as a
public servant is of such character
as to warrant, or demand, continued
employment in his present position
by the voters of this state. In thus
presenting himself as a candidate for
the third term, it must certainly oc-
cur to all Of US that the Governors