The Washington herald., 1911-06-19

Senator Reed, of Missouri, yes.
terday flung down the gage of bat.
tie in behalf of Joseph w. Folk
and merry war is promised Mis-
souri, Democracy between now and
the time the State delegation to the
Democratic national convention in
1912 receives its instructions.
SENATOR REEDS INTERVIEW.
Senator Reed, in an interview yester-
day, virtually read out of the Democratic
party in Missouri any who fail to carry
out their convention pledge to support
Mr.. Folks Presidential aspirations.
Champ Clark is mentioned only incl
dentally as one who is himself bound
by the pledge. Mr.. Clarks boom is
promised slight encouragement from the
junior Senator from Missouri.
Although his attitude does not come
as surprise to the rest of the Missouri
delegation in Congress, the public an
nouncement which Senator Reed caused
to be spread broadcast yesterday gave
rise to some speculation as to Mr.. Reed s
motive. 1t was freely charged, in fact,
that the Missouri Senator'S interview
was given out at this early date as a
bid for the support of the strong Folk
following in bis State. Moreover, as the
promise of State Endorsement last sum-
mer caused Mr.. Folk to withdraw from
a three-cornered fight for primary pre-
ferment in the Senatorial race-fn which
Mr.. Reed ultimately defeated David R.
Francis, the third aspirant-it is believed
Mr.. Reed expects little trouble in hold
ing the Folk people with him il he stands
by their favorite in the coming fight.
Boom Launched at Banquet.
early in the month of June, 1910, a
banquet was held in honor Of Gov. Jo-
seph w. Folk was held at the Southern
Hotel, in st. LOUIS" he begins 1T was
thoroughly understood by the public and
by all Of those who accepted invitations
that the gathering was called for the
purpose Of inaugurating a movement to
secure for Gov. Folk the Democratic
Presidential nomination. The letters of
invitation so expressly stated. The object
and purpose of the meeting was exploited
by all Of the leading newspapers of
Missouri, regardless of their political
affiliations, and could not I've been and
were not misapprehended
Nearly every Democratic State officer
scores Of county officers, many members of
the State and county committees, hundreds
OF leading Democrats from all parts of
the state responded to these invitations
and attended the dinner. Addresses were
delivered by men VINO have long been
prominent in the councils of the party.
The speakers, in varying language, but
in great unanimity of thought, urged the
necessity Of all elements of the party
uniting for the purpose of redeeming the
State, and argued that the Endorsement
OF Gov. Folk would have this effect The
orators pledged their unqualified support,
and declared Gov Folk was the logical
candidate. Their utterances were en-
Enthusiastically acclaimed, <and resolutions
soliciting Gov. Folk to become a candI-
date were adopted unanimously and with
cheers.
Candidacy Fully Recognized.
Beyond question, the meeting had the
desired effect. It heartened the Democ-
racy of the State. 1t was the inaugura-
ton Of a movement which resulted In
the various factions forgetting their diff
ferences and working together for the
success of the ticket Gov. Folk there
upon announced his withdrawal from
the Senatorial race.
During the weeks and months which
followed, the candidacy Of Gov Folk
was fully and universally discussed
throughout the State: the desire of his
friends to secure Tor him an indorse-
m2nt by the State convention was well
known; it was generally conceded that
he would be ihdorsed without question
by the then coming State convention.
The State convention was held on
September Il, 1910. II was presided over
by Hon. Champ Clark as temporary
chairman, and by Hon. j. j. Rrssell as
permanent chairman. The following res
olution was adopted:
Folk for President:
" In the battle for good government.
we commend to the Democracy Of the
country the leadership Of one who has
been at all times foremost In the fight,
st. Louis and governor OF Missouri ac-
compliShed so much for political and
practical reform. which like tidal wave
is now sweeping over the whole country.
officer, and progressive in his iegislafive
policy, he Is the foe Of an Rraffers. the
friend OF all honest toilers. and viii
make tAe doctrine Of equal rights a liv-
the Democracy Of Missouri present for
nomination for President IN 1912 Joseph
W. Folk, ana pledges to him our hearty
support
Adopted I'm Good Faith.
'9n the campaign following the state
convention. It was not only publicly de-
rlared in every hamlet. but by common
consent It was taken for granted, that
this resolution Of the state convention
had. been adopted in good faith and
would be redeemed in both letter ana
spirit.
IF It Is possible to bind 4 political
party BY pledges or BY conduct. then /
the Missouri Democracy IL bound to l
keep these pledges and redeem these /
To do anything else would be |
% create dissension. dlscord, and acrs- I
mony. which could not but result disS,. /
IrousIy in the campaign which lies be- /
low.
80 far as / en- concerned, I am IN i
squivocaliy for Gov. Folk for President. /
have implicit faith IN the candor and /