Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1906-10-19
Governor Cummins
Always a Republican

Durlng the past month the state of
Iowa has been flooded with circulars sent
out IN the interest of the democratic
tlcket which purport to give the polit-
lcal record Of Governor Cummns in this
state. The circular is the same which
was prepared for and sent out by the
press bureau organized under the drec-
tlon or q. IL. Hunter and his associates
last spring. Some matters in relation to
this circular are worthy the considera-
ton of all republicans in Iowa. brief
history Of the events In Governor Cum
Minis political life Will be appropriate
Governor Cummins never sought office
nor accepted office until In 1887, when he
was elected to the Legislature from Polk
county At that time. as it will be re-
membered by every oAe. the state Of
Iowa had rigid promotion law on the
statute books under which conditions in
large part Of the "tate proved to be
unsatisfactory. This was especially
true In the city Of Des Moines, where 1t
was found to be impossible to enforce
the prohibition law, and the sole effect
was to open the way for free whisky.
Mr. Cummins, with thousands of other
republicans In Des Moines, believed that
the law could be so changed and i'm
proved as to give relief to such commu-
mites and to better secure real temper
ance throughout the state He did not
believe that statutory prohibition was
then or should ever be a cardinal tenet
of the republican party in Iowa.
In the month Of August. 1887. a number
Of the most prominent republicans In Des
Moines circulated a protest against the
continuation of the conditions In Des
Moines. which We're then so obnoxious to
all people This protest was signed only
by republicans and said:
"Declaring our adhesion to the prin-
ciples Of the republican party and earn
estly favorng that law which will most
effectively decrease intemperance. we re-
specially protest against the further ex-
pertinent Of prohibit, m under the pres
ent law. which has resulted In free whis-
key"
After referring to the local conditions
at some length and demanding the
passage Of some sort Of a law under
which the people could be protected from
the unlawful traffic" the protest con-
cluded with these words:
'"To attain these results. we pledge our
selves to support and !ote for candidates
for the legislature. who shall be republi-
cans, pledged to tn. support Of re-
publican for the United States senate,
and the principles Of :he republican par
ty, but who shall pledge themselves
openly and avowedly vote and work
to secure the enactment Of such laws
consistent with the declarations herein
set forth"
Nominated BY Republicans.
As the result OF this protest. a mass
convention Of the republicans was held
in Des Moines. Aug. 18th, 1887, which
convention Endorsed aud ratified the pro-
test and petition which had been signed.
and in the absence Of A. B. Cummins
from the state nominated him for men,
Der of the Legislature, and with him
Adam Baker. then a republican alderman
at large In the city Of Des Moines. and
for many years holding an honored po-
sition In the postal service This protest
upon which the candidacy OF Cummins
and Baker was based. was signed by
about LOCO republicans Of Des Moines,
many Of them the most prominent busi-
ness and professional men Of the city.
and then. as now, republicans Some of
the signers were as follows: