The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1911-10-05

gressive republicans-and with a
strong and militant organization
ready and willing, with singleness CT
purpose, to cooperate with all other
forces working to the same end, you
cannot fail and bid you, God speed"
The Morning Meeting.
The first meeting of the South Da-
kota Republican League was held in
the Gale theatre this morning at
1890 O'Clock. There were about
200 men present to listen to the adj
dresses of Senator Crawford and
Governor Vessey, who were supplied
in the absence of Senator Bristow
of Kansas, who was unable to come
Peter Norbeck, the president OF
the league. presided at the meeting,
and John Sutherland made brief
statement concerning the object of
the same.
Mr.. Norbeck presented Senator
Crawford, who read from manu-
script what he had to say to the pro-
gressive republicans. The senator's
speech will be found in full else
where
Made Personal Explanation.
Senator Crawford took occasion
to make personal statement re-
garding his alleged connection with
President Taft, concerning his being
entertained at the white house and
tine supposition that he was sup
porter of the president. The senator
said, that he was merely invited as a
guest at dinner given by the pres
ident along with the other members
of the South Dakota delegation. To
have refused an acceptance to the
white house would have stamped him
as boor, and lacking in courtesy to
the executive of the nation. At the
dinner, the senator stated, there was
not the slightest reference to poll
tics, and he did not feel that being
la guest of the president at that time
would in any way obligate him to
support the president in his candi-
dacy for denomination. The sena-
tor stated that he had told Govern.
or Vessey and Mr.. Norbeck long be-
fore there was any mention of Pres
idential candidates that he was for
Senator La Toilette.
Vcssey on Principles.
Governor Vessey was accorded a
hearty reception by the audience
land he at once launched into a dis
cussion of the principles of the pro-
gressive republicans, setting forth
briefly what has been contended for
The governor declared that these
principles are greater than any one
candidate. and that they should, have
the hearty support of every man who
has proclaimed himself as belonging
to that faction.
There seems to be a breaking
away in late years from the staid
principles of the party" said tn.
governor, and we are commencing
to wonder where we are at. l be.
lieve it to be our duty to follow tho
lead of a man who has stood for these
principles in the forefront of the bat.
tic, who has fought for them under
every possible circumstances, rather
than to follow the lead of a man who
has been and is associated with Tho
interests and who has more or less.
put these principles to sleep whel
the occasion required. That mar
has stood by these principles without
faltering in the least and at time
when he seemed to be alone, for the
reason that many failed to give voice
to what they believed in their hearts
1t is up to us whether we are going
to stand firm or go up in the air, not
knowing where we are going
to land, and still carrying the
thought what will be the best advan-
tage for US.
Speaking ct his recent visit to the
east, the governor said he learned
that the progressive principles ir
that section Of the country were be-
ing thought over to very large ex-
tent, and expression was being CIV
en- to these thoughts with more free
dom than ever before, and that these
thoughts were coming from the same
class of men who are taking the
Initiative in the west. He ascer-
tained from conversation with the
governors Of the states who were re-
Gently in session in New Jersey that
there is widespread influence at work
in upholding the progressive repub.
lican principles, and that many OF
them were in sympaty with the move
ment which has been borne in the
west. He declared that the east is
looking to the west for the help II