Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1908-10-26
CLERKS LEAVE The CAPITAL
Thousands of Federal Employees Go
Homc to Vote.
PERIOD OF APATHY is PAST
Men whose Homes Are West of the
MississIppi Are Already Gone
and Others VIII Start
This Week.
(From a staff Correspondent

WASHINGTON Oct. 25.-(Special)-
Whatever apathy was exhibited among re-
publlcans in Washington during the early
days of the campaign has entirely disap-
peared and with the disappearance have
gone hundreds of republicans. They have
left the capital by scores and hundreds
during the last few days and every berth
on every outgoing train has been engaged
for next week. They form the small army
of federal employees who have left for their
homes In order that they may cast their
ballots for Taft and Sherman Two weeks
ago great anxiety was felt over the ap-
parent Indifference of most of the voters
employed in Washington. There seemed to
be little prospect that any great number
of those entitled to the franchise would ex
ercise their privilege as American citizens.
But the League of Republican Clubs got
busy" Meetings were held night after
night; railroads were appealed to and sat
sfactoTy rates were obtained. Personal So
licitation had it's effect with the result
that practically 80 per cent of the voters
from Nebraska, the D8kotas, Kansas, Min
nesota and all the region west of the Mis-
sissippi have already gone, and those living
nearer the seat OF government have made
arrangements to "go home" between now
and next Saturday night Without inquir-
ing into the political affiliations OF their
clerks and employees, the heads OF depart
ments have been unusually liberal in grant
ing requests for leave of absence. with the
result that the federal force will be reduced
to the minimum until after the election.
why Apathy Disappeared.
One reason for the burst of political ami
nation in quarters where a month age
there was apparently no disposition to take
any part in the coming elections is found
in the reports persistently circulated by
the democratic managers and the newspa-
pers which support Bryan, 10 the effect
that a tidal wave Is forming which will
sweep the Nebraskan into the White House
Up TO the time when these reports gained
currency the feeling OF confidence in Mr.
Taft's election was deep rooted in the
minds OF republicans here that apathy was
the natural result. There is nothing like a
modicum OF alarm to stir up activity In
politics, and that small wave of alarm
swept through the departments, with the
result that the apathetic streak was
promptly washed away and everyone de,
veloped a disposition to do all In his power
TO bring about the election OF the repub,
lican ticket.
Weak spots Strengthened.
| But there is absolutely nothing like alarm
| among the republicans today. From all ovel
the country come reports OF the closing vi
Of the lines and general aggressiveness OF
! the part Of the leaders. The weak spot
have been strengthened and Mr.. Hitch
cocks forces are watching every point. II
! Wisconsin and Illinois, in Ohio and New
! York conditions are reported as infinitell
better than they were ten days ago, Will,
from the intermountaln and coast state
every letter received indicates that the re
publican ticket is assured Of success. TIL,
claim of the Bryan managers that Kansa
may be found In the Bryan column 4