Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1908-09-11

and its dry season; that during the
summer months, it has only drops of
rain where dry states like Colorado
have inches. Tell them that during the
month of July. 1908, Oregon had only
slight traces Of rain, while New Mex
ico-one of the dryest states in the
Union, dryer even than the cold-water
brethren hope to make Oregon-had
5.96 inches. Tell them that In the
absence OF snow in Oregon, the winter
and spring rains are necessary to the
prosperity of the farmer and the stock
man and the fruitgrower; and, above
all. tell them that in the gentle rains
that bathe the Pacific slope from
October until May there is life and
health for the people who have been
wise enough to cast their lot with that
favored portion of our country.
Tell the truth about the Oregon
climate, and tell it everywhere. Pro-
hibit by law, if possible, the sale of the
'Webfoot" souvenir spoon and the
postal card bearing the picture of the
frog sitting beneath the spreading
umbrella. And the next time you hear
your neighbor referring to Oregon as
'Webfoot, tread softly, but carry
your big stick, and when you get
within reach, swat him-and swat him
hard.
Little interest, and no enthusiasm,
has been aroused in Colorado so far
in the Fall campaign-that is to say,
in the National campaign. The con-
test between Peerless William and
Hearty William promises to be close,
with the chances slightly in favor of
Hearty William. 1t is true that Peer
less William has many strong friends
and supporters in the state, but with
free silver dead issue, it is hardly
probable that he will be able to over
come the Republican majority this
year. The senseless factional row in
the Republican ranks in the state in
vites defeat, and would doubtless
result in defeat, were it not for the
fact that there is just as big a row
among the Democrats. Meanwhile,
the National campaign languishes.
1t begins to look as il the ''drum-beat
and whoop-la" method of campaign
ing has become back number in
American politics, and that hereafter
the voter will go quietly to the polls
and vote as his judgment and con-
science dictate. And who shall say
that is not hopeful sign?
The Democrats of Las Animas
county held their nominating conven-
ton last Saturday. 1t was typical
Democratic gathering, made up of
Bill Bryan democrats, John johnson
democrats, Grover Cleveland demo-
Gratis and Bill Hearst democrats, each
with an opinion widely at variance
with those Of his brethren, and each
serene in the belief that in him there
breathes and walks a true follower Of
the Immortal Thomas and Of Andrew
of blessed memory.
Every delegate had speech bottled
up, and the convention had not pro-
ceeded far before the corks were drawn
and good, old-fashioned Democratic
oratory flowed in copious quantities.
The platform pointed with PRIDE"
and viewed with alarm" as Demo-
cratic platforms have done from time
immemorial, and undying support
was pledged to William j., who, as the
wording ran, is 'the peerless leader
who will carry our banner to glorious
victory in November"
II there is any one thing in this
world that really admire, it Is the
hopefulness Of a Democrat.
Colorado still holds nominating con-
ventions. 1t is a state that has been
much inclined to follow after Populis
gods, but it has not yet gone 30 far In
that direction as to adopt the revolu-
tionary direct primary. And, some
how, it seemed good to the writer to
get back among a bunch Of political
pirates again and hear: 'Starkville
precinctp "VotedI - weston pre-
cinctp "Voted" And then TO hear
the tellers reading the ballots from the
hat and calling of the names OF the
candidates. 1 will frankly confess
that this time-honored, red-blooded
American method of choosing csndi-
dates for Office appeals to me far more
strongly than does the insipid, gum
shoe system foisted upon the fair state
Of Oregon by Bill U'Ren and his self
ish and designing lieutenants. The
convention system has its faults. but
II preserves party integrity and makes
IL impossible for the minority TO tri-
umph over the majority 10 choosing
public officers. Any system that fails
TO accomplish these results is un-dem-
ocratic and un-American.
Trinidad IL an attractive, well-built,
well-kept city. The council is CON-
posed OF progressive business men,
and the clean, Well-lighted streets,
beautiful public buildings. substantial
bridges and attractive parks give evil
denoe that the peoples money Is being
HiselY spent Hitrifed brick is used