Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1907-09-11

'llL9ESE11z as we'll as by the quasi-pubc corpora
IeSoe$Dg( n tons that have suddenly sprung into
kTfM>E such dominant positions would well
not lose heart They may 60 down in defeat and
then in localities may lose the men whom they support
because they pledge to equal nstice to all under
their reign in public place. but it is not well to be
weary in we'll doing Every defeat should merely
inspire the genuine advocate Of needed changes buckle
on his armo anew and 60 forth to battle again for the
same righteous cause.
Look back over the field that has been covered by
honest, determined advocates Of reforms in much
abused public service, and there will be found ample
ampes to inspire every worker to not give up the
fight
For fifteen years before he gained anything like public
RECOGNITION from his state or city, Tom johnson, Of
Cleveland Ohio was standing out like beacon light
wind swept coast for the curtang of the OF
the corporation abuses in his home and state
Every time he would stand up protest the corporation
tools would swat him. and by the of money in politics.
and every other device that could be brought bear the
men Mr. johnson put forward for public place
defeated The very men who suffering most
regularly marched to the pools and voted for the tools
the corporations put forward against the champions OF
reform in municipal affairs 1t indeed lamentable
spectacle discomagne fight for Mr.. johnson and his
followers but they neither lost heart nor fatered Year
after wear they would come forward each time little
stronger each year mite formidable in their organ
zation Finally, when looked darkest the people Of
Cleveland we're awakened to realization Of their
ditons and MIR. johnson himself was CHOSEN to the
highest Office in the city the people could bestow upon
him, and with him also chosen sufficient number
Of councImen to dominate the legislation he had been
demanding Then began the most subbornly fought
contest that has ever been witnessed in this country
The corporations who had owned the city the lake
many years, and grown so rich had forgotten also
own the courts and in his determination right few Of
the most glaring wrongs Mr. johnson found himself
sisted at every STEP But the people had joined with
him, had confidence in his integrity and by wagng the
war to the fullest grand victory finally for the
masses and that victory will not be overthrown.
Joseph Folk Of Missouri was compelled after he had
been elected prosecuting attorney in St Louis to
send dozen or more Of the most nAueni citizens Of
the city to the pententary before he could make the
public believe that he was sincere. 1t this determine
ed fight which singled HIM out to the good people Of the
entire state as trustworthy champion, and he made
Governor in a campaign wherein he was opposed by
every defender Of crime and corruption in all political
organizations Of the state The good work he has per-
"
come as shining hao that will grow brighter with each
N generation that s-to come after him.
Mississippi this year had brilliant champion Of the
people offered for high Office but like many Of his CO.
workers in other states he went up against the real
thing in the way Of perfectly organized movement Of all
the interests which, under the cloak of proessed con-
servatsm were willing, at any cost, to compass his
defeat The platform he offered and the speeches he
made however, will live, and the day will come when
Mssissppans will have ample cause for regret that this
man was not chosen this year. Not only the principles
but the man will live and conservative old Mississippi
will respond in future when her best interests are al
stake
Il takes time and patience to educate the people act,
even for their own interests This has often been made
manifesy clear in every phrase Of public service The
observer has only take up the abuses that he has
Witnessed year after year. from the smallest municipality
to the Federal Government ITSELF realize that often the
people have not only elected to Office men who have
ontony suuandered their hard earned money but ofmes
after Witnessing the act the people have come
forward, in response to the most amsy appeals and
elected the same men who have robbed and abused
shem
OF course these things cannot last forever The mas