Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-18
Ryder Ha. a Warm Time.

Labor Commissioner Ryder has just re-
turned from filling a speaking date at
Dixon. in the northeastern part OF the
state. He was to represent the republican
side of the argument at the annual har-
vest picnic. while Attorney Mike Harrtng-
ton Of O'Neill was slated to represent the
democratsc. Mr.. Harrington failed to put
in an appearance, and the labor commits
sioner started in TO make a speech about
Nebraska. intending to touch on politics
only incidentally. In outlining the pro-
sperity that has come to the state as the
result of good markets and high prices,
the commissioner mentioned the democratic
appeal to the people for funds to elect their
ticket. P. A. Nelson. an old-time p%opulist,
at present affiliating with the democrats,
interrupted the speaker to assert that he
trusts are paying the expenses Of the re-
publican campaign.
Mr.. Ryder directed Nelson's attention to
the law passed by the republican congress
forbidding any sort of contribution by
trusts or corporations to funds for poll
teal purposes. Still Nelson insisted that
there was no guarantee that the corpora
tons would not contribute. and unless he
could be given that guarantee he would
not believe in the effectiveness OF the law.
His attention was called TO the fact that
many prominent democrats nave been pill
loried as trust men by the democratic
leader.
The running debate then switched to
the present condition. when middle-of-the
road populists cannot vote for their candi-
| date in Nebraska. well. we can vote, for
the theory" retorted Nelson, and the demo-
Gratis present cheered Justify.
Colonel Teep. a Grand Army veteran, took
a hand in the debate. recalling strongly
some not very creditable democratic his
tory. Mr.. Nelson at C7ce cut loose on how
the people are robbed by the tariff, in
stancing a purchase Of a hat years ago
that had opened his eyes, he said. to the
iniquity Of the tariff. Ryder tried to show
that both parties are now committed 70
tariff revision. but Nelson couldn't see it
that way. A listener interrupted to say the
trusts were notd getting any Of the money
re was receiving for his crops, and Nelson
then told of the low prices OF the years
Immediately following the war. Then
Colonel Teep took a hand again. and in
stanced the Cleveland administration which
stirred Nelson to wrath. He jumped OF
Cl~eveland's coffin. while half way apol<z.
ing that nothing bad ought TO be said OF
The dead. with the grand old statement
that the late president had made So, OO0.Os
DA uedlluB Win vail street IN the Dont
matter, and there were one or two mel
present who applauded even this statement
There were a good many, however. that /
did not appeal to at all. Still. Mr.. Nelson
let it be plainly understood that he wa.
glad Cleveland was dead.
I one point in the debate the labor com
missioner told Mr.. Nelson he did not be
ueve the Savior Of mankind could c%onvincI
Z him the peoDla are better off to-day thu,
they ever were before, and the populist ad
mitted he would have to be shown prett,
strongly before he would believe anybod,
but the money power" was enjoying an,
prosperity. Men in the audience laughe,
at Nelson's extreme statements. but tn
populist was not abashed in the least. II
assured them he had made a study Of tn
matter for several years, and knew jus
{ where the weak spots were in our form o
government. Next to Mr.. Bryan, he salt
he considered Senator La Toilette tn