Omaha daily bee., 1908-11-24

PopuIist Leader Edmisten rs a POIIti-
cal ROmancist.

cal R~Omancfst.
For the ensuing four months the ranks of
reform by hot air in Nebraska will be de-
prived of the services of the distinguished
leader and exemplar, James H. Edmisten.
In many former state and national cam
paigns Mr.. Edmisten camped on the firing
line, fighting for the plain people with zeal
and devotion worthy of the cause. When
victory perched on the populist banners
and the pie counter was within reach he
was jimmy-on-the-spot also, securing as
his reward the post Of state oil Inspector.
The glow of his enthusiasm for the plain
people gave out mary a blink" while the
oil can lasted. In the nature of things,
coupled with the perversity of voters, the
republicans rushed the can out of his grip,
some eight years ago, and Mr.. Edmisten
turned his talents to Nebraska land, the
fertility of which commanded his esteem
and admiration.
Out in the North Platte land district,
where every prospect pleases and only land
grabbers are vile, Mr.. Edmisten observed
how easily cattle kings and their imitators
scooped in vast areas of territory for a
song. He noted how anxious Uncle Sam
appeared to be to let go a good thing and
he could not stand by idly while the myr-
midons Of plutocracy gorged themselves
with the wealth OF the people. Not on
your tintype. AS a defender and protector
Of the masses against the greedy classes.
Mr.. Edmisten jumped into the game and
scooped in a few sections for himself.
Somehow and somewhere his wires became
crossed with Uncle Sans current and he
received a severe shock when required to
come into court and explain how he caught
on to the land. The explanation did not
satisfy a grand jury, an Indictment was
found against him, to which he pied guilty
and received a slice of the penalties so
frequently dealt out to land grabbers in the
last four years.
Mr.. Edmisten was chairman of the pop
ulist state committee Of Nebraska during
the campaign of 1900. AS Mr.. Bryan's
champion in that memorable contest he
displayed marvellous skill in forecasting al
legged schemes republicans were putting up
to wrest the state from the pops. 1t was In
this fierce fury that Mr.. Edmisten's imag-
~ination worked overtime and developed his
varied talents as a man of letters. The
first of the letters was drafted just before
the final charge and partook of the nature
Of confidential instructions to patriots in
lHe lieiCHes' ~ IL a unique, Impressive ana
highly diverting epistle read by the light
Of later events. A copy follows:
LINCOLN, Neb., Nov. MY Dear Dir
Our committee is in possession of facts
that show the various counties throughout
the state are being covered with voters
coming in from other states who vii
doubtless attempt to vote at this election
1t is believed many of these are brought
in through the efforts of the republican
party, having received free transportation
and money for expenses, etc. The indica
lions are now that this vote will be exceed
ingly large.
1 ave prepared a complaint in blank
and likewise a warrant for the arrest o
any person who may vote Illegally, AM
you will find the same enclosed In thi
letter. Please use great discretion in work
Ing this plan to prevent those who woul'
attempt to vote, and in your judgment ar
not eligible, by producing the complain
and warrant in blank, and say to then
that you will place them under arrest /
they vote. In this way we believe We cal
prevent many illegal votes from beinl
cast. / will give this matter to the press
Also, so It Will have wide circulation an
the republicans will understand how 20
are prepared 10 arrest any man who ma,
thus attempt TO cast his vote, where eYi
dence is In existence that he Is not en-
titled to do 80.
Take a firm stand In your actions, an
exercise care that we do not drive voter
from us. Our committee will give you an
necessary support. 1t would be well 10
you to council with a few OF your trUste
friends relative TO all matters, and &C
!, accordingly. / believe we shall win II a.
? honest vote can be had. Very respectfully
j. II. EDMISTEN,