The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1906-05-10
Brookings, S. D., May 9, 1906.

brOOKlngS, .. ~, MAY ., l5VO'
EDITOR BROoKINGS REGIsTER:-
In response to MIR. Jerome's inquiry
and that the voters OF Brookings county
may fully understand the situation l
will give the facts regarding the chal-
lenge issued by the citizens OF Brook
ings to Governor Elrod and Congress
man Martin and allow the voters to
Judge for themselves who has "cold
feet"
At the close OF the meeting held by
Messrs. Crawford and Hall in this city
April 10, I, as mayor Of the city and
chairman Of the meeting, was request
ed and did send the following chal-
lenge to Governor Elrod at Pierre and to
Congressman Martin at Deadwood
Brookings, S. D., April 20.
Hon. E. w. MARTIN,
Deadwood, S. ID.
Citizens of Brookings numbering
seven hundred assembled at the opera
house here last night heard Coe l.
Crawford and Philo Hall, and by reso-
ernor Elrod opportunity to debate with
Crawford and Hall upon state issues,
i. e. state primary election law, anti
pass law, railroad taxation and execu-
tive misconduct of party organization,
on the 24th instant, and forward this
challenge with the consent of Crawford
and Hall and the wishes of the peo-
pie present as standing challenge till
met. Please answer.
FRANK X. KREMER,
Mayor and Chairman of meeting.
Mr.. Jerome will see that the chal-
lenge was an open one with the con-
sent of Crawford and Hall and the
wishes of the people present as a STAND
ING CHALLENGE TILL NET"
In response to my telegram to Gov
ernor Elrod l received the following
answer:
Pierre. S. D., April %, 1906.
MAYOR F. M. KREMER,
Brookings, S. d.
Unable to reach Martin-any ar
rangements you make with him agree
able to me. s. H. ELROD.
On the date Martin was to speak at
Elkton l 'phoned him, and, in: subst-
ance, this is what he said with regard
to the challenge:
"Didn't receive your telegram until
a short time ago." Think inasmuch
as the insurgents had a meeting recent
ly We ought not to divide the time with
them, but think a joint debate might
be arranged later on" "No, am not
prepared at present to discuss state
issues"
1t will be remembered that when Mr..
Martin spoke in Brookings on the even
ing of April "a, he said that "inas-
much as he did not hold a state Office
he could not be expected to discuss
state issues" and with those few words
dropped the subject. Mr.. Elrod failed
to appear at that meeting and not a
word was offered as an excuse for his
absence, and none has yet been given.
Mr.. Crawford cancelled a date, and
subjected himself to other and greater
inconvenience in order to be here to
meet Mr.. Elrod, and was here all day.
Mr.. Hall also remained at home and
was ready to meet Mr.. Martin.
To be sure, Mr.. Martin said sun
doubtedly joint discussion can be
arranged at some future time," but 80
far as | have been able to learn the
machine faction has not, either by
word Of mouth or in writing, offered
an opportunity to discuss the issues in
this campaign as requested by the citi-
zens of Brookings. Certainly no more
open request could be made than was
embodied in the above challenge and
certainly il anyone is guilty OF "cold
feet' it is Mr.. Martin and Mr.. Elrod
who have been as silent as the grave
since the challenge was issued.
F. M. KREMER.