Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1906-02-23
GIlLILAnD CALLS
FOR INVESTIGATION

Des Moines, Feb. 21.-Governor
Cumnins' letter to Iowa republicans,
giving the reasons for his candidacy,
contains the following:
While giving to the corporations
the most complete protection in the
prosecution OF their legitimate enter
prises, we must expeI them from
politics. We have but to look over
the history of the past few years to
know how determined they are.
The struggle now gong on in Wash
ington shows how we'll they prepare
themselves to resist the just demands
of the people. TIL history of the
last four years In Iowa IS crowded
with evidence of the determination
OF the railway companies not only to
manage their railroads, but to man
age the state as well. At this mo-
ment, they are opposing with might
and main the proposition to abolish
free passes and free transportation.
They ought to welcome an enactment
that will require those who ride up
on their trains to pay for the service,
but on the contrary they are employ
ing every other device to kill or
cripple the pending measure. Why?
I leave you to answer the question.
There is pending before the gen
eral assembly a measure, which, If
it becomes law, will permit the
voters to make their nominations by
direct vote, instead of through eau
cuses and conventions. 1t does not
touch the operation Of railways, it
does not affect their revenues, and
they have no legitimate interest in
it. Nevertheless they are exertins
every ounce of strength which mon
ey and organization can create to
defeat the primary election bill.
They are hunting it to it's death
with a persistency and a vindictive-
ness have never seen surpassed. A
moments reflection will show you
why the allied corporate power has
decided that there shall be no pri.
mary elections. They know that If
the bill passes 1t viii do more to
lessen their influence in politics than
any other measure now proposed for
the public good. Let no man be de-
luded by the specfous suggestion
that primary elections will increase
the power Of railways. If so, these
masters of intrigue, who are now en-
deavoring to thwart the will Of an
Overwhelming proportion of the vot.
ers Of Iowa, would not be spending
the winter in Des Moines."
In the senate yesterday Senator
Gilliland of Mills county offered the
following resolution which went over
under the rules:
Whereas, Governor Cunmins in
his address to the republicans OF
Iowa issued in this mornings paper,
makes the alarming statement that
the railway corporations are exert
ing every ounce of strength which
money and organization can create
to defeat the primary election BILL
that they are hunting it to it's death
with a persistency and vindictiTe-
ness I have never seen surpassed
that these masters of intrigue who
are now endeavoring to thwart the
will of an overwhelming proportion
of the voters of Iowa. care for this
purpose) are spending the winter in
Des Moines;' and,
Whereas, The gravity Of this
charge is such as that if believed by
the people, it will seriously reflect on
all legislators opposed to a state
wide plurality primary, no matter
how conscientious their opposition
may be, and will lead the people to
1o& al hair N.
fuenced in their action by the 'ex-
ertion of every ounce of strength
which money and organization can
create now, therefore, be it,
Resolved, BY the senate, the house
corcurring, that in fairness to the
members Of the legislature, and that
only those (if there be any,. who are
really culpable may be pointed out,
the governor be asked to communi-
cate in writing to the legislature
such specific facts Gas distinguished
from mere assertions) as to
"First-How money is being used
by the railroads to effect the pri-
mary bill.
"second-What legislators, if any,
have been The recipients Of this
money
"Third-Who are the masters of
intrigue that are spending the winter
in Des Moines.' and where are they
located?"
Des Moines, Feb. 23.-The senate
yesterday, after lively debate,
passed Senator Gilliland's resolution
for an investigation of Governor Cum
Minis charges. There was not dis
senting note.