The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1912-02-01
the most remarkable qualities In

CudLuP CldIh n, anu Ouc VI uA1FoA Dol wv
ognition, is the fact that with all his
strength and force he does not excite
friction, either among his friends or
his foes. The best rough-and-tumble
debater in the house of representa-
tives, he has enjoyed on the floor uni
versal popularity among both par
ties; and, in the speakers chair, stall
wart in craftsmanship and In convic-
ton, he has received from the Repub-
ltcan minority leader and from lndl-
vidual Republicans, as we'll as the alb
solutely stolid devotion Of his own
side, the most conspicuous tributes
that have ever been given to a speaker
of the house.
1t Is notable fact that, with full
consciousness of his absolutely stall
wart Democracy, the leading Repub-
licans, as we'll as the rank and file of
the Democratic party, and Of the Re-
publican party, would rather see
Champ Clark elevated to the presi-
dency than any other man.
Splendid Campaign Speaker.
AS a campaign speaker for the hust-
ings Mr.. Clark is better than Harmon,
better even than Wilson, and fully as
effective as Bryan. His magnificent
stature; his splendid and rugged per-
sonality; his utter fearlessness and
his rugged force, joined to a COM
polling eloquence, make him one Of
the most effective campaigners that
ever asked the highest office in the
gift Of the people.
Roosevelt came back from the west
saying that Champ Clark would make
the strongest possible candidate for
the Democratic party in 1912.
Ambassador Sheriff. Ito Argentina),
ablest and keenest Of Republican dip
lomats, after speaking to 220 Ameri'
can boards of trade, declared that
Champ Clark would be the hardest
man in America for the Republican
party to defeat
James r. Mann, leader Of the Re-
publican minority in the house, de-
clared that Champ Clark had moro
courage and directness than all the
rest of the party combined, and was
worthy of any office in a Republican
form of government"
And the Democratic majority-that
wonderful house machine-has given
to Champ Clark such frequent and
overwhelming evidence of boundless
confidence and boundless affection as
to indicate the reception which he
would have from the people if the
Democratic party should present him
as their standard bearer in the cam
paign of 1912.
Would Unite Democratic Party.
respectfully submit that these con-
siderations-this record of vital lead
ership in the house Of representatives;
this evangel Of representative govern
ment against executive usurpation;
this flawless consistency of record,
which does not call for apology or de-
tense; this superb equipment for ex-
ecutive usefulness by long service in
Congress and in all the preceding
ranks; this capacity to fight for great
causes without exciting personal fric-
tion-all these things, l submit, make
up the complete and convincing argu-
ment that Champ Clark is the best
and safest man upon whom hopeful
Democracy con reconcile It's actions,
compromise it's differences, and march
forward to a presidential victory.
The Democratic party fronts the
greatest opportunity it has known in
20 years for entering upon long lease
Of power.
Who is better entitled to lead the
Democratic party than Champ Clark
the man who made that opportu'
nifty?