The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-09-30
POLITICS IN KANSAS.
FISHER AND BRIsTOw CLASH In
TAFTs PRESENCE.
Discussion Of Who are "Progrcssivcs"
Marks Close of Celebration at
HutchisCn.

the close OF what had been non
partazian celebration OF the 5Oth ar
niversary OF the birth of Kansas as
State. with President Taft as the prin-
cipal speaker. political incident
fared up here today and gave a thrill
to the thousands OF kansans who
packed the grandstand at the State
fair grounds.
walter L. Fisher. secretary OF the
interior I'm President Taft"s cabinet.
just back from Alaska. made "A three
minute speech In which he said some
things about the difference between
real progressives OF the middle Of
the road like Mr.. Taft. and "hypo-
critical. demagogule progressives who
oppose every practical progressive
policy put forth"
Senator Joseph L. Bristow. rank
ing second to Senator La Toilette Of
Wisconsin among the progressives of
the senate. followed Secretary Fisher
and quickly caught UP his challenge.
I'VE In Kansas" ne said. "arn al
ways willing TO grant that the other
fellow is honest in his views and we
expect him to grant that we are hon
est In ours. I want to say TO Presi-
dent Taft and to Secretary Fisher
right now. that In working out the
problems that confront us. we of
Kansas will have our part and have
our says. to the end that there shall
be justice to all and special privilege
TO none"
Both Mr.. Fisher and Senator Bris-
tow were applauded. The throng
seemed To appreciate the v.ri al pas
sage Of arms and the virtual serving
OF notice by the junior Kansas sena-
tor that while he was participating
freely and gladly In the welcome to
President Taft In his State. there
would be not let up In the factional
hight as soon IA the chief executive
left the borders OF the common
wealth.
The president himself had made lit
tie reference to politics. His refer
ence was purely historical
Mr.. Taft was introduced by Gov
stuAbs. who led In the cheering that
followed Mr.. Tafts Introduction.
Gov. Mann Of Virginia made a brief
address. Then came Secretary Fish
er.
The address BY Mr.. Fisher furnish
ed the most interesting feature Of the
day. When he arose and faced the
big crowd. Mr.. Fisher was silent for
fully minute. Then he said slowly:
Il am one OF those that count my
self progressive He was inter
rupted by applause and cheering. 81
am a true progressive" he resumed
and I believe In true progressiveness
and not In hypocritical or demaxogI.
cal progressiveness who declare for q
progressive policy and then oppose
every practical progressive measure
put forth. When President Taft said
he was trying to keep In the middle OF
the road the other day. believe he
meant what he said. and I believe
that you believe he meant what ne
said i am that kind OF progressive
My friends. you should Judge men no,
by what they say. but by what they
do."
senator Bristow was introduced by
Gov. stubbs and was loudly cheered.
I'VE OF Kansas" he said. may al
times have been accused OF acting be-
fore We thought. but We always have
had the courage TO contend for what
We believed was right. and We have
worked out right here In this State
the greatest moral civilization in the
world"
The senator then made mis- reply 70
secretary Fisher and rs he did 30
he looked pointedly at the cabine, Of
hcer, Senator Curtis of Kansas, class.
Cd az n conservative then took ad-
van'1se Of the somewhat strained sit.
uation 10 pay tribute to Secretary
Fisher.
President Taft spent the entire day
In Hutchison. leaving tonight for To.
peka.
President Taft lunched with Gov
stn1bs OF Kansas. Gov. Mann OF vir-
sinia and Gov. ColQuitt Of Texas. lie
dlned tonight at the Country club.