Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1910-08-16
TOOzE and HOFER MEET
FALLS CITY MAN CHAMPIONS
CAUSE OF ASSEMBLY.
Proves More Than Match For Anti
Assembly Candidate For
Governor.

4
Colonel e. Hofer, the veteran editor
of the Salem Journal and known
throughout the state as a skilful de-
batter, met his match in Polk County
last Saturday afternoon in the person
of Walter L. Tooze, a prominent bust
ness man of the Willamette Valley
and one of Oregon's polished platform
orators. Mr.. Tooze not only answered
with telling effect every point in the
argument of his opponent, but gave
the Colonel a few things to take home
and think over.
The debate was the result of chal-
lenge from the supporters of Hofer's
! gubernatorial candidacy to any advo-
cate of the assembly to meet the Colo
mel and debate the assembly question
with him. Mr.. Tooze, although con-
fined to his home by illness, accepted
the challenge. Disregarding the adj
vice of his physician, he came to Dali
las and was on hand promptly at the
hour set for the discussion.
The debate had been literally adver-
tised in and around Dallas, but owing
to the busy harvest season and the
lack of opposition to the assembly
plan in Polk County, less than 100
voters were present when the meeting
was called to order in the City Park
G. w. McBee, of Dallas, presided and
introduced the speakers.
Cited Democratic Authority.
Mr.. Tooze opened the argument in
a brief but entertaining talk. He laid
emphasis on the fact that the assem-
bly, is not a nominating body; that 1t
can only act in an advisory capacity
He pointed out the wisdom of organ
ization and united action in political
affairs as well as in social life. In
support of this contention, he cited
letter written by Governor George e.
Chamberlain in 1906, wherein the
Governor urged the importance of the
Democrats of Oregon holding an as
sembly to adopt platform and sug-
gest candidates to be voted for in the
primary and general election.
Colonel Hofer spoke fora an hour
He produced no argument against the
assembly that was not already famil-
lar to his hearers; in fact, he devoted |
but little attention to the assembly |
question but gave the most of his time
to the subject of the Initiative and ref
erendum, Statement No. / and an at
tack on the state administration
for what he termed it's activity in pol
itics," and condemned the last Legisla-
ture as an extravagant body.
Mr.. Tooze, in his reply called atten-
of the members of the Legislature so
denounced by Colonel Hofer
We're elected to office directly by the
people on a Statement No. platform,
He then directed his remarks to the
and showed that the Repub-
lican party was clearly within it's legal
rights when it met and recommended
for the consideration Of
the voters, calling attention to the
fact that the voters themselves, will
be the final judges as to the qualifica-
tion and fitness of all aspirants for
office when they go into the voting
booth on the Gath day of September.
Personalities were freely INDUCED
n, both speakers being of the "give
md take" kind, but the debate was {
rood throughout. The crowd :
vas likewise good humored, and all &
greed that the meeting of the two l
peakers had furnished interesting and 9
instructive entertainment, 9
One Competent Voter.
An amusing incident occurred while
dr. Tooze was making his closing .
peech. Referring to the abuse of the =
and referendum, the speaker !,
sked how many men in the audience
elt themselves competent to vote in
on the 32 measures now be- :,
ore the people, requesting any such =
0 rise to their feet To the speak :,
RS evident surprise, one man stood :,
p. n
What is your name?" asked Mr. :,
ooze. :,
MY name is Oliver e. Dennis, p
anne the answer.
"Mr. Dennis, do you mean to say
nat you feel yourself competent to D
ote inteliigently on every one of these
2 measures?" IT
Il do" declared Mr.. Dennis DO
on want to know how I am going to
Dte?"
NO" said Mr.. Tooze. that would
OF be a fair question, and l do not
SIX it," !"
We'll, I'll tell you anyway" vol - :,
nteered Mr.. Dennis, who is a sub ~
antial farmer OF the Oakdale neigh -
orhood. Il am going to vote No on = =
very one OF them" - -
And amid the roar Of laughter
hich followed he sat down. =
Debate Was Enjoyable. :,
The Observer would be pleased TO e,
rint the full text Of the debate be-
yeen Mr.. Tooze and Colonel Hofer. es
1T time and space forbid. II is suhi- re
ent TO say that the argument. while "A
ten far from the question at issue. -
as highly enjoyable and at times
amusing. Il is not prob
DE. however, that a single vote was
ranged by the discussion.
Old Polk has been one OF the strong Je
,sembly counties Of Oregon from the ~
sginning. and all indications point to -
steady growth in the popularity OF re
Ie plan between now and election day.
EFIEc CENTRAL COMMITTEE IA