The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1906-02-15
EDIro RIAL.
PERKINS AND CUMMINs.

iowa NC l1u anu HAGQ0 w AcaNS
before them two such candidates for
Governor as George D. Perkins and
Albert B. Cummins. Especially will
the republicans of Iowa have cause
for self-gratulation if the pre-con-
vention campaign shall be marked by
decent self control and by a due re-
spect for the character and high stand
ing of the contestants. First in the
field was Mr.. Perkins. There can be
no question as to his high standing,
both as an editor and as statesman.
If he is lacking in anything we should
say it was in the very arts with which
he has been charged by some of his
most blinded opponents. Mr.. Perkins
is not politician. 1t was this that
defeated him for congress. He has
never been able to adjust himself to
that keystone of practical politics, to
be all things to all men.
Mr.. Perkins is large minded man.
This has at times enabled him to see
more than one side Of a question, a
fact which has drawn upon him at
different times the wrath of those
whose mental vision was more con-
tracted. We wish to go on record
that we do not believe any of the in
situations that Mr.. Perkins is insin-
cere, WILDLY wabbly or that, for the
Governorship or any other ship, he
has entered into unholy alliance with
any set Of men, We have large faith
In Mr.. Perkins as man and as re-
publican. We believe that if elected
Governor he would act according to
the dictates of his own conscience and
not according to the dictates of any
boss.
The line of cleavage between Mr..
Perkins and the Cummins faction is
bound to widen, however. One natu-
rally gravitates towards his friends
and supporters and it is undoubtedly
true that before the end of the cam
paign Mr.. Perkins will find himself
in such position that while he might
carry out any of the policies of the
so-styled "prcgressives, he would
not be in touch with their organlza-
ton or inclined to advance their per-
sonal interests.
Again the opposition to Mr.. Perkins
very naturally draws to his support
those elements which from any mo-
tive. whether good or bad, are OPP.
posed to Mr.. Cummins.
1t is not alone the Creator who il
mysterious ways his wonders doe
perform, if we have any experience thi
is favorite method of the Prince o
Darkness also. 1t may be that Mr.
Perkins is an unconscious Faust AM
that the Mephisto of corporation con
troll is in reality at his shoulder. Thi
is fair proposition for the people t
decide-not as to whether Mr.. Perkin
is a dishonest man who has sold him
self to the devil, but as to whether hi
victory would be victory for objee
tionable influences who would gal
control in spite of Mr.. Perkins goo
intentions.
This we repeat is question whic
may be fairly discussed but it is OF
opinion that the question of Mr.. Pc
kin's personal integrity was settle
in the affirmative years and years ag
and no good cause has been shown Fl
a re-trial.
For months it has been in the a
that Mr. Cummins would be cand
Jo+r fo,. fh;rJ tor,,, hoe. bao,, .
unwritten law in Iowa that two tern
were sufficient for any man, but Il
friends of Mr.. Cummins have felt tn
the circumstances were such that tt
people could and would override pr
cedent in his favor. 1t is true tn
Mr. Cummins is an over towering al
all-powerful figure in his wing of t
party. His personality is well-ni,
irresistible, he is ardent, enthusiast
active, in short all that popul
leader should be. No other man
Iowa has ever had such devoted pc
sonal followers. These followers a
not weaklings, fools or knaves, tn
include very many of the brainie
men IN iowa and when such men IL
low with such absolute devotion it
the highest tribute that could be pal
Mr.. Cummins has made good Go
ernor, but as far as that is concern
there are one hundred thousand men
Iowa who would make good Cover
ors. Mr.. Cummins is not ca nc
date simply that he may act as Go
ernor, but because he is forced to it
the ground that he and his friends b
lieve they stand for set OF righteo
principles which will be endangef
by the election of any man not
sympathy with them. 1t is furth
believed that Mr.. Cummlns can cor