Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-01-16
IrBy Ora will,ams,l

the face to deny its accuracy. Sera-
tor Dolliver, continuing his narrative
one of the most enlightening stories
Of Iowa history ever written, told
them Of how it came that ten years
ago a new force came into Iowa politi-
cal life:
He announced his candidacy for
governor of Iowa, and made his
appeal direct to the townships.
with definite program of pri-
mary elections and the overthrow
Of the domination of railway agents
in republican politics. In announc-
ing his candidacy he named the
railway lawyers who had for so
many years managed the political
affairs OF Iowa, and began his
campaign by stating that he had
not become q candidate at their re-
quest. They replied with bitter
scorn that they would pound him
into the earth; and thus the con-
test opened which gave to Mr..
Cummins seven years in the office
of governor of Iowa, every one OF
them fruitful in the enactment of
new laws in line with his program
and in the efficient administration
OF the affairs of the state.
Needless at this time and in this
place to review the ten years. 1t is
sufi Gent to point out some things.
Governor Cummins realized on the
day OF his inauguration the force OF
the sneer, and he knew that from that
day on he would be the subject Of
the sneers of every hypocrite who re-
ferred to him and his work. The his
tory Of the decade shows that he was
a prophet
The corrupt heart ard the unthink-
ing mind" to which overror Cummins
referred have for ten wears been join
ing in efforts TO turn back the onward
march.
The professional lobbyist. driven
from the halls of legislation. has never
ceased TO bemoan his fate and 10
agitate for the return of old conditions.
But the machinery of his organization
is gone and he must Use :Icw methods
and enlist new agencies. The right Of
corporations to sit in conventions is no
longer recognized, and they have had
to seek other ways of direct partici-
patton in the state affairs.
1t is true that some corporation
heads actually believed that the strong
words OF the inaugural message of
1902 were meant only 10 be read and
not to be oheyed: and in due time cor
porations not only futtered about the
legislative halls but actually walked
into the executive chamber there to
demand the right to sign bills, only to
be ANONYMOUSLY driven from the room
by tire righteous indignation of the
chief executive.
The decade may all be summed up
briehy-restoratio of popular govern
nent. equalizing of tho burdens. con-
sideration of the rights of the people
above all else, a substantial advance
in the direction of better government
and higher ideals. Truly fruitful
years.
1t is not too much to claim credit
for Iowa and for Iowa republicans for
4 large share in making possible the
forward movement in American poll
tics which, in one way or another. has
become the dominating element in ma
tioral affairs and in many of the best
states. Iowa was not first in agitation.
but vas early in showing the way. II
has been. as said ten years ago. a
| gradual approach toward higher eff
cheney in government" Iowa people
hav" actually becomS an important
factor in American life. They have
individually and as a whole been of
immense influence in the solution of
the real problem Of popular govern
ment. and they are today in position
70 play substantial part in preserv-
ing all that is best in American life
and institutions.
Has it been worth while to make this
/ progresS? Opinions differ Some per-
sons have all along derided the re-
former and denounced the reforms. Ev-
7 cry step of the way has been over
obstacles-the sneers of sanctinonious,
the denunciations of the demagogs,
! the pleadings Of the unthinking to turn
aside TO other things. the betrayal of
false friends.
Ten years have passed since Cover