The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1908-07-17
SEASON OPEN ON WITH PLAY

The second congressional district
promises to occupy the center of the
political stage again this year, and
the principals in the cast will be Hon.
Gilbert Guttersen, Hon. Paul Ewert
and Hon. James T. McCleary. The
audience will be made up of the voters
of this district, and there will be in
terested spectators all over the north
west. The actors in this unique drama
have made their formal entire, bowed to
those who are facing the footlights,
and it can be said that the playbill, old
though it is, but with new setting,
is having its run. The curtain has
risen on the first act
That the scenes to follow will be
exciting, and not little sensational,
there is no reason to doubt. Each act
will end with a startling climax and
the interested auditors. will await with
abated breath the continuation of the
fascinating story which will end with
the ringing down of the final curtain
on the night of the primaries in Sep
TENDER. The critics will then render
their decision as to which one of the
three gentlemen is entitled to the larger
need of praise and a certificate that
will give him a place among the
headliners in an attraction that closes
its season in the month of November.
The leading men in this play under
stand well their parts and each has
assumed his role with the confidence
that he will speak his lines and enact
his character in a manner that will
bring to him the approval of those
who are witnessing the performance
1t would be indeed strange if each
player did not have his warm admirers
who will be ready to give him the APP:
ment to his efforts. As the play pro-
ceeds the scenes will be shifted and
new interest added to the political
story that is being told by the actors.
Each player will speak his lines with
the hope of winning the appreciation
of the audience, and if some of these
lines sound familiar no one need be
surprised. The drama itself is as old
as the nation, and it is placed on tour
every other season to excite and stir
up the red blood of men. who, in
large measure, assist in its presenta-
ton.
In the past The Free Press has filled
an important role in the play. 1t was
a part that was created out of neces-
sity so that the piece could be made
a success and win the plaudits of the
people. How well that character was
portrayed the public alone is the Judge.
1t would ill-become us to speak in
praise of our own work But while the
play, which deals with one particular
phase of American life, is on the boards
this season, The Free Press will be
seated in the dress circle, listening to
the lines spoken by those who will
pace back and forth behind the foot
lights, noting carefully their manner
isms and the business" on which the
clever performer relies in his efforts to
win his way to the hearts of those
in the pit, circle and even seeking ap-
proval from the gallery gods" The
Free Press will not, however, act in
the capacity of a critic. This newspaper
will play no favorites. 1t will honestly
endeavor to distribute its applause on
each actor and prepare to give its
most intelligent and earnest support
to that one who will be called upon
in September to take the more promi-
nent part in the great attraction that
will be given place on the stage un,
til the curtain is called in November.
This, in brief, will Pe the stand of