The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1911-08-31
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II was with peculiar pleasure THAI
The Republican YESTERDAY published
the formal announcement OF the can
didaey OF OIL Rrauson OF this city
fer the republican nomination for
congress in the new First district,
Beyoad question. ii will be received
with equal pleasure by the people OF
Mitchell and a very large part OF the
voters OF the district. Mitchell will
be gratitied to know that the city is.
fer the first time, practically assured
CT representation in a high public Of
flee. 1t is recognition long since due
the city of Mitchell and all the more
SO because this city has helped so
many other candidates in their aspi-
rations without asking anything for
.itsels.
But Mr.. Branson is more than a
local candidate to the people of Nit
chell. To them as to all others in
the district and state who are
acquainted With Mr.. Branson and his
record, this announcement means the
district has in prospect a representa-
tive in whom it may find satisfaction
and pride.
Mr.. Branson is by nature essential
ly democratic, a statement which it
is unnecessary to make to those who
know him. This is S. true that there
is no question that he owes his bust
ness success to it. His smile and his
hand-clasp are just as ready for the
man in overalls as for the man in
broadcloth. This is because he is
truly self-made. Beginning on a
farm, he taught school to secure
funds with which to obtain an edu-
cation. Later he continued teaching
school and for a time travelled on the
road. He had nothing but, his salary
and so moved to Kansasiiwhere he
filed a presumption. He was fortu-
nate enough to secure a position in
a bank in a nearby town. Daily he
rode in from the country and back
again. His cordial manner and fair
dealing with this banks customers
brought him success. He went from
one salaried position to another un-
til finally he came to Mitchell as CASH
Ter of the First National Bank, and
few years ago was made president
of that institution.
So popular is Mr.. Branson
throughout the state. so much is h
respected by all classes, tnat he has
been urged insistently for the las
year to become a candidate for gov
ernor. This he emphatica,ly refused
to do. When his friends, disappoint-
ed in that, wanted to make him a
candidate for congress, he declined
to make his decision until he had
had an opportunity to v the
district and find if there was a real
demand, for his candidacy. Conse-
Quently he has been in every county
in the district and in almost every
town. He did not go to present him
self as a candidate, but to find out
who was in the mind of the vot-
ers. Everywhere he said thai
if some one else was wanted, he
would not be a candidate. That can
vass and inquiries made in many To-
calities by his friends, show beyond
a doubt that Mr.. Branson is today
the choice of the district by an "
whelming majority. His splendid
ability as a speaker. his delightful
manner and his democratic spirit are
sure to add to his support as the cam
paign progresses.
1t has been made clear by Mr..
Branson that he will observe the
spirit of the primary election law in
his campaign. This contemplates
that every candidate shall stand be-
fore the voters on his W merits
alone. 1t was one of the first ON