Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1907-07-18
WHAT is A aEPusLlcANr
Many Ideas Seem to Be Represented
In the c. O.. p.

Some Of orr Republican contem-
poraries are trying to answer the
question: What is a Republican,"
but they hardly to grasp the sit
uation and we will do our best to
tighten their darkness. Many modern
Republican politicians are first of an
opportunists, ready to seize upon any
issue that offers to catch the popular
breeze. For instance, Senator Knox
declares for a strict construction Of
the constitution, while Mr.. Roosevelt
is for stretching the constitution to
the breaking point. Both Of these
gentlemen are after votes and expect
to combine their two schools of
thought OF election day. Republicans
all believe in tariff protection for the
trusts, but in some states where the
tariff reform sentiment is raising
hades, they propose revision and reci-
procity, in other states they stand pat
and fry fat out Of the trusts, and on
election day both factions stand ready
to vote together and spend the pro-
ceeds Of the fat frying.
All Republicans are for the old flag
and an appropriation-if it comes their
way. If the appropriation is not for
them to spend, they are for economy
in expenditures and kick like steers
until they are let into the log rolling
bee with a fair division of the spoils.
Otherwise life is a dreary waste and
the old flag may be in ribbons instead
of stripes, and the star which symbol
ICES their state Is to them a mockery.
1t all depends upon whose OK is gored
and who is the dispenser of patronage
and how many of their camp followers
can get a place at the political pie
counter, before the ordinary Repub-
lican politician can decide whether a
proposed measur is for the best in
terests of the people.
Republican congressman were all
friends of the railroads until the free
passes were cut off, and they still
banker after the flesh pots of the cor
porations. To make up for the loss of
free transportation they increased
their salaries SO per cent. and still
draw 40 cents a mile for mileage, and
voted the president $25, 900 a year to
hire special trains for himself, his
family and friends. Thus the rail
roads gain and the taxpayers are the
poorer.
AS the American merchant marine
has been ruined by the Republican
plan of tariff protection for the trusts
the Republican politicians, from Pres
ident Roosevelt to the negro spittoon
cleaner at the capitol, favor ship
subsidy. Most Of them don't under
stand the real issue involved, but as
the ship trust lobbyists showed a lib
eral disposition to assist in their en-
l~ightenment and were free spenders,
the patriots who run the country
found there must be something good
in it. Their love for the old flag and
an appropriation made them as easy
prey for the subsidy lobbyists, who
were certain the stars and stripes
would be seen on every sea If the bill
passed. Hurrah! for Old Glory, was
their cry.
But what is the good of enlarging
upon the fads and follies of the G. o.
P. or telling of the prosperity of the
trusts and the army of tramps that
their policies have encouraged and
protected? There are a few old fogy-
ish Republicans who believe what Lin
coin taught, but they have no part or
lot in the strenuousness Of modern
Repu~blicanism.