The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-02-20
.CUMMINS ISSUES
THIRD TERM PLEA.
GOVERNOR OF IOWA ANNOUNCES
I CANDIDACY FOR REELECTION.
Statement to Hawkeye Republicans
Says that Effort to Curb Power,
Abolish Evil Practices and Regulate
Management of Corporations Has
Created the Most Vital Issue Since
Civil War. il a. b

Special to The Journal [
Des Moines, Feb. 2o.-Governor A. B. Cum
Minis last evening issued a statement of the
platform on which he will ask a third term. 1t
is contained in the following letter to the re-
publicans of Iowa: ~
'.You have twice honored me with the office
of governor. In asking third nomination 1t is
due to you that I shall state with the utmost
frankness the reasons for my candidacy. Il
1.-The effort the part Nof our governments.
national and state to curb the growing power,
abolish the evil practices and regulate the man
agement of corporations has created the. most
vital issue since the civil war. It has been
established by abundant experience that If rail-
way companies are permitted so to do, they
will consolidate to destroy competitions; they will
issue unlimited quantities Of stocks and bonds,
simply to make the people pay dividends and
interest upon them. they will charge excessive
rates; they will give rebates to favored shippers
kinds of traffic. 1t Is likewise known that If
industrial and manufacturing concerns be let
alone they will form monopolies, restrain trade,
ruin rivals and infict the most grievous tnjus-
tice upon the unprotected public. ...s i,
I'VE are attempting to compel those corpora
lions to conduct themselves uprightly and to be
fair, square and decent" -
Jabs the Railroads.
Here the governor gives a few paragraphs to
the fight the railroads are making against gov
eminent regulation, and declares the railroads
must be expelled from politics, and the right
to give Tree passes to- public officials and dele
gates be abolished. He continues: -~-.. =.
1.-THE interference Of the corporations in the
nomination and election of candidates for office
presents the fundamental issue at this time
have taken stand on it, and during the four
years in which 1 have-been governor / have
taxed my strength to the very limit in checking
the advance of corporate ambition and avarice
GA majority Of the republicans Of Iowa be-
lieve that the principles I havdAattempted to
| define essential to good government, and that
the issue have suggested must be settled and
settled right, no matter how long the struggle
may be. r.; a.. a5 - e.
'For months past the republicans from all
quarters Of the state have been insisting that it
is my duty to- stand for denomination. They
cannot be convinced that they are ON the right
side Of this issue when they find themselves
| shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Blythe and his
associates. They feel safer when they know
that they are not supporting this manager of
railway politics. They have made 1t clear to
me that am not free to follow my inclination.
| that my task Is not yet finished and that can
serve the common welfare more effectually as
! governor than in any other capacity -"
! II have yielded to these solicitations and de.
| mands, not because want an office but he.
cause these thousands of republicans insist that
| I render the state and the country some fur.
Their service. and because it would be cowardIy
ress.' Il .. = =. = %
The letter closes with a declaration OF he
lief in the principles and doctrines of the re-
publican party. No reference is made to the
tariff other than TO say: his views on this sub
1ect are we'll known. J. to .ro&E. :. l.. -