Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-11-08
HOW TIE LEADERS TAKE IT
Expressions from Men Who Ran Campaign
and Rau for Ofioe
LOCAL ISSUES SWALLOW NATIONAL
Congressman Kennedy Defeated Be
cause his Opponent was Able
to divert Attention from
Real Proposition.

a locaI issue should have 50 completely
swallowed up national politics, thus Civ
ing an adverse expression Of the popular
sentiment. Congressman Kennedy's friends
stu feel certain that In an open race
where local issues were not so adroitly
employed were the home-rule and tele-
phone propositions Mr. Kennedy would
have been returned to congress by large
majority.
There is universal qualification over the
election OF Robert Cowell, an Omaha bus
mess man, as railroad commissioner. Civ
Ing the metropolis a representation on
that commission. Here are some express
sions from leaders:
Chairman Adams Opinion.
Speaking for the republican congressional
committee, Chairman J. II. Adams said:
'Tho overwhelming victory OF the inde-
pendent telephone proposition explains the
defeat of Mr.. Kennedy for congress MIR.
Hitchcock, account Of his strong adj
vocacy of the franchise in his paper, per-
suaded many voters that his election was
essential to the success of the independent
telephone enterprise. This had a marked
effect not only in Omaha and Douglas
county, but also I'm Washington and Sarpy
counties as well, where all the farmers are
subscribers to the independent telephone
Aillto hlll dlAlOuS lot HOulHnd connections.
The Blair postoffice fight also had consider
able effect, but it would have cut no figure
had not the telephone controversy reacted
so heavily against Mr. Kennedy.
MI Kennedy made a splendid record in
congress and his defeat is no reflection
upon his ability or integrity in the public
service or upon his character or standing
with his fellow citizens. He made a clean,
honorable fight, but circumstances were
against him and in favor Of his opponent"
Chairman DOnnhoe's Statement.
Chairman Tony Donahoe of the repub-
lean county committee had this to say of
the outcome: 2-ts
THE republicans have reason to feel
gratifed over the election returns in the
great. majority of cases. 1t is to be sim
cerely regretted that we could not have
elected Congressman Kennedy and County
Attorney Slabaugh, but the opposition
made an adroit appeal to the prejudices
of the people and made so many grand
stand plays that we had to fight against
great disadvantages. The cry Of home
rule which was made on false basis
and the telephone franchise proposition
saved Hitchcock. But the republicans
have reason for congratulation on the
election of a solid legislative ticket and
/ the rest of the ticket The people really
and sincerely interested in Omaha's well
! fare voted for the republican legislative
I candidates on the terminal taxation propo-
/ sItion and that IS what gave us such
| handsome vote"
! Congressman Kenhedy's Position.
Congressman John L, Kennedy made this
statement: o. a"
politically speaking. ! regret the out
] ~ - 4
! The independent ytelepbone proposition de-
feated me- The .peaple in the city who
wanted cheap Telephones voted for Mr.
I Hitchcock in return for his advocacy Of
/ the proposition. In the outside counties a
4 large number. of people having home tele-
phones are seeking connection with Omaha
/ They naturally considered that Mr. Hitch
cock was opening the way for them and
reciprocated with their votes. The only re-
1 greet I have is that local issue should
nave overshadowed the national policies Of
the party"
Robert COweITs Expression.
Robert Cowen, successful republican nom
inee for state railroad commissioner, gave
this statements
THE election yesterday must have been
/ very gratifying to all. republicans and par
ticularly gratifying to all the friends and
admirers of George L, Sheldon. ! am glad
that Douglas county redeemed itself and
feel sure that sheldon's supporters will
never have reason to regret their action.
The two-telephone proposition undoubtedly
defeated John L. Kennedy for congress- and
this goes to show how little thought the mass
OF voters gives to questions of this charac-
lter. There was no possible connection be-
tween the office of congressman and the
n
cocks name was identified with the phone
question and he was looked upon as its
champion, and. this accounted for a capable
and competent eongressman's defeat. am
exceedingly glad that the legislature is
republican, for this means that they will
be able to produce results for this county
and that they will uphold the hands and
support the policy of a man whom l be-
lieve will make one Of the best governors
that our state has ever had"
How Mr.. hitchcock Feels.
Gilbert NJ Hitchcock congressman-elect.
said to a reporter for The Bee Wednesday
morning that he was sorry his election
could not have pulled through the rest OF
the democratic ticket Mr.. Hitchcock, who
was seen in s,private ONCE at the World
/ Herald, said:
Personally, I am very much gratihed
over the result, and my friends rallied to
, my support loyalty, but I am only sorry
that the rest OF the ticket could not pull
through with me, The load was too heavy
: however. / estimate my majority viii
probably be about 375. and possibly morS
when the remainder of the country pre-
cincts are definitely heard from"
EARLY this morning Congressman Ken
nedy called me by telephone and eX
/ tended his Fluctuations on the result We
both remarked that one pleasure Of tbs
campaign was that 1t had been so abso
lutely free from personalities The sup
port given me in Sarpy and Washington
counties surprised me greatly, as IL wss
absolutely unexpected particularly thl
in Washington county. / had received
promises from leaders Of the party a
( Blair that my majority in that city woul'
: be at least 100, but felt II I could breal