The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-06-14
The Duluth Convention.

Mr.. Cole owes his nomination. for the
office of governor to his industry and
his intelligence in emphasizing in pol
itics the Importance Of state. issues.
The convention held at Duluth yes
terday was singularly free from in
fuences emanating from Washington.
Minnesota is less affected by national
politics in the treatment of her local
political interests than most states. In
iowa national politics mixes into state
politics and influences results. We have
just seen the entire congressional dele
cation of South Dakota DESERVING. their
posts in Washington and throwing
themselves into the state fight. State
politics and national politics are so
mixed up in that state that it is hard
tosfind line Of cleavage. Other states
might be mentioned in which conditions
are similar. g.. I'LL.
Time was when state platforms in
Minnesota were written in Washing
ton, but when the delegates met in Du-
1uth yesterday they met to deal with
state issues solely in so far as making up
the ticket is concerned and without the
slightest interference from any member
Of the congressional delegation and
without confusing the interests Of any
representative of the state in national
politics with those of the candidates
for places on the state ticket. Il,
This is manifestly fortunate condi.
ton of things because it gives oppor.
tunity to consider and emphasize state
issues and select candidates with re.
spect to their prominence and inhu.
ence and experience in purely state
affairs. g..
While there was some clever politics
played on the floor of the convention in
Mr.. Coles interest, his campaign was
practically neglected by the practical
politicians and he went before the peo
pie asking for preferment because he
had had experience and had rendered
important service in state affairs. Mr.
Cole has been member of the legisla
ture for two sessions-not a very Ions
time. but long enough to identity hin
more prominently, perhaps, than any
other man in the state with what, il
general terms, may be described as the
movement for state Improvement. He
was the prime mover in the work Of
the legislature in providing for the sur
vey of state lands with view to con
struct1ng an adequate system of drain
age. This is an important matter and &
practical effort for the enhancement o,
the natural resources Of the state.
Mr.. Cole was prominent in creatin,
sentiment and promoting effort in favo
Of larger immigration to the state. par
tleularly to the newer, northern Dol
lions. He was efficient in bringin
about change in the system of sell
ing state lands in such way as to Sc
cure their disposal to actual settlers
aiming to secure in this way the NOR
rapid settlement of the country instea
of allowing these lands to pass in larg
blocks into the hands of SPECTATORS.
He redrafted the state highway com
mission law so as to fit its provision
to conditions as they exist in the neWe
parts of the state. #@
Starting from his experience in thes
matters and from genuine interes
in every proposition which promise
betterment and growth in the stat,
he began his campaign on the platfor1
of state Improvement. The emphasi
which he laid upon these state issue
attracted attention to his candidac
at once and while he did not possess th
skill of the experienced politician an
attach to himself very large numbe
& of delegates in the beginning, he wo
the favorable opinion of many and we
the easy compromise and second choie
when the conflict of interests BEGAN
most severe and critical in the col
yention.
And repubicans have placed I
head Of their ticket a man WI
VI