East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1912-04-16

an active campaign would be likely
to bring forth.
If Senator Bourne's opponents pur-
sued the same course and allowed the
people to express their choice un-
hampered by political maneuvers and
organization methods, l feel conf
dent, knowing the progressive spirit
of the people of Oregon, that the re-
suit would be an overwhelming victory
for the senator. AS every known
trick and political artifice is apt to
be used against him, however, every
progressive in Oregon should be on
the alert to see that the state does
not do Senator Bourne the injustice
and itself the injury of failing to give
him a strong Endorsement. Especial
ly Is vigilance necessary, as / under
stand that the same tactics are being
used as have been used in North Da-
kota, and that the fight against the
senator is carried on by reactionaries
masquerading under progressive
cloak. This insidious form of attack
is more dangerous than an open
fight.
1t is not necessary for me to emu
merate to a citizen Of his own state
the principles and policies for which
he stands. He not only has been
steadfast and sturdy supporter of pro-
gressiye principles, but he has been
in the foremost ranks and borne the
brunt of the fight. He has made the
Oregon plan for the election of Unit
ed States senators, for the selection by
the people of delegates to the nation
al conventions, for the expression by
the voters of their choice for presi-
dent and vice president, for the initia-
tive, referendum, and recall, known
throughout the United States, and
many other states have now follow
ed Oregon's lead and enacted laws
along these lines. That the other
men engaged in the fight for good
government recognize his work, is
shown by the fact that when the Ma
tional Progressive Republican League
was organized, Senator Bourne was
elected as the first president of the
organization. AS such he had much
to do with securing the enactment of
laws along the lines above indicated
in the different states.
would be a grea toss to the progress
sives in the senate. Because of his
service he has attained committee as
signments which no new man, no
matter what his ability and aggres-
siveness, could hope to attain without
serving an equal length of time. AS
you know, much of the most import
ant work of the senate is done in the
committee rooms and the presence of
a progressive on the important COM
mittees to which are referred the most
iportant measures has a value that
cannot be overestimated. The reac-
tionaries of both parties work togeth-
er in the matter Of legislation, and
there is no other way in which legis-
lation can be so easily throttled as by
an unfriendly committee.
Senator Bourne can be relied upon
to take progressive stand on the vi
| tai questions now before the people
and before congress.
| Senator Bourne's defeat would
! everywhere be hailed as a victory by
! the enemies of popular government
| and progressive principles, and il
would be generally accepted as re
pudiation of those principles Of pop
ular government for which Oregon
| has become famous. oregon owes i
to Senator Bourne. to herself, and t
the progressive cause to return hin
with such an emphatic Endorsement
that no one will be in doubt as t
where the people Of the state stant
on the question of good government.
Very truly yours,
Copy of letter to A. w. Gray.)
The above letter shows the opinion
| of the progressive colleagues of Sen
ator Bourne in the United States sen
ate. Governments are administered
! for the benefit of the governors.
Yours respectfully,
o. D. TEEL.
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