The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-06-15
GOPHER CONVENTION
not IN NATION s EYE
Republicans Acts Attract No
Great interest in Washington
Same Old Conditions.
By w. w. Jermane.

BY w. w, Jermane.
Washington, June l5.-.It has been a
matter of great surprise to 7 he
Journal's Washington correspon-
dent that the state contest in
Minnesota, ending with the re,
a no s attention SHnens Whatever in the
eastern newspapers, or IN Washing.
ton, which is supposed to represent the
political sentiment of the entire coun-
Outside of half a dozen members of
congress from Minnesota, no one in.
Washington seems to be aware that an
June 13. In states like South Dakota,
there have been contests this spring,
and the eastern newspapers have noted
their varying phases and given results
from time to time, and the politicians in
Washington have discussed the effect Of
the victory of that or the other fac
tion and wondered what the effect of
Iowa. the contest fer governor is ami
mated, and the country seems watching
the result closely Eastern newspapers
keep track of the successive county
conventions. But thus far nobody has
mentioned Minnesota, or seems to know
that the state is on the political map.
This: Is a Rural State.
There seem to be two or three rea-
sons why this condition of ignorance
| exists in the east and in Washington as
to Minnesota politics. First and fore
most, Minnesota is one of the rural
states. and the politicians who control
its affairs seem to consider that they
must be engrossed by local matters
/ -
with questions of national Importance.
At times Minnesota has seemed to stand
for revision of the tariff, or for reci-
procity, or for federal control Of rail-
roads and Interstate corporations, but
this year the men who control affairs
in Washington either dc not know that
any sentiment Of any kind exists in
Minnesota, or else they do not care. what
it is. At any rate, they do not discuss
it or the political action Of the state.
This is probably caused bv the senti-
ment which existed in Minnesota Tor
several years Of completely divorcing
state politics and the state convention
from contact with federal officials and
federal influences. OF course, the
United States senators have presided
recent years, but they have not had
any influence in determining the politi-s
cal character of the convention, or the
results Of its deliberations.
Others Seek Importance.
In most other states of the union
contrary condition exists. There the
counsel and influence of those repre-
tiers is sought, and the cooperation of
this potent influence, assists in framing
I up matters of state Importance, with the
result that the organization Of the party
! is brought into close contact and sym
pathy with the national party organi-
tration. ...
In most Of the states, either the SEN
ators or the representatives. ARE ex-
pected to take a prominent part in the
deliberations of the conventions, or else
seson1e zprornin ntSnatio zeharactef.g1ike
a new member of the cabinet. or very
prominent senator or representative, or
public man from some other state, de-,
livers an address, which is always sig
In states like New York, Pennsylvania
and Ohio, the senators are expected to
assist in the state conventions. In In
diana, Michigan and Illinois, the sena-
tors and representatives are expected to
assist in organizing the state campaign.
In South Dakota, Secretary Shaw deliv-
cred notable address, while the sena-
tors REPRESENTATIVES.. the two. cabinet
officers. and nearly everybody else, are
taking part in the campaign in Iowa.
In Maine, Speaker Cannon will deliver
the principal address at the state con-
vention this month, while in Massachu-
expected to bear hand. This list of
states might be extended indefinitely.
Nearly all Of them have various ways Of
! connecting themselves with the national
4 administration, and with the national
characters who determine the policy of
the party and the country. ... /.
Leaves Leaders at Sea-
1 Minnesota seems to be well nigh
alone in desiring isolation from the
4 great political forces which must con.
veal or for woe. This is unfortunate
h Altho Minnesota sends able and influen,
4 tial men to both the senate and the
h house, and is proud of the influence
l they exert thru their positions OH com
mittees and on the floor, yet the repub
\ lican party Of Minnesota does not dc
/ justice to itself or the state in moi
sells Of the party and becoming bette,
\ acquainted with it's leaders and the
plans that are being made for the fu
ture. "a = ii
The result necessarily is, SO far a.
this city is concerned, that, except
l where senator's and representatives hav,
an influence and acquaintance of thei
own, the result of personal contact, Min
nesota is not considered in the framing
4 of the policies Of the party This may
Z occasionally work to the detriment O.
4 the state and it's influence occasionally
\ For example, the burning question il
4 Minnesota at present seems to be tn
4 proper draining Of the northern part o.
4 the state 50 as to prepare it for iIn1ni
grafton and settlement. This winte
\ and spring both branches Of congress
1 and one OF the great executive. depart
ments, have been wrestling with tn
81 drainage question in their own way
1 The matter cannot be satisfactorily set
I tied until there shall be cooperation
between these two great interests whic]
\ are now wide apart. The national in
terest. as considered by congress an.
the departments, is proceeding in it
own. way, while the candidates 70
state offices and the state conventio1
are enthusiastic for state development
and yet seem oblivious to the fact tina
\ not much can be accomplished withou
the wise and helpful cooperation Of tn
4 national administration. The same con
4 dltion exists as to tariff and reciprocity