The Sentinel=record., 1912-02-03
FOLK OPENS OPENS
 CAMPAIGN
MlssOURPs FORMER GOVERNOR FORMALLY LAUNCHES PREsl.
 DENTAL CAMPAIGN.
"The Mission of Democracy" is the Keynote of His Opening Address --httaeks Action of St. Louis
 Committee.

Joplin Moa Feb. 2.-Ioseph w. Folk. former goeeraor of Missouri. formally opened his campaign for the democratic presidential nomination. here tonight at meeting under the auspices of the Joplin EnlkFor-P Pres ldent club The meeting was largely attended
 In presenting his claims for en. dorsement Of Missouri democrats, Mir, Folk recalled the action of the state convention two years ago, which pledged it's support to him The St. Louis city committee was attacked by MT Folk.
 The name of MendEnm Wilson was brought out by Mir Folk when refer- ring to the state convention to be held here February 20 He urged the cooperation Of his friends and those Of Governor Wilson in support of progressive candidate. should be (Folk1 get the convention endorse. ment.
 Mission of Democracy.
 The mission of democracy is to make men free, to liberate them from the oppression of privilege and to give to each man an equal opportu- nity, said former Governor Joseph W. Folk. tonight, in addressing the Bryan club Of Joplin, as beglnnsag a. Ais campaign for the democratic nomination for president
 We are approaching in the nation the time for l great battle for these principles. Missouri will have an important part in that conflict
 "Gf there is enything could say or anything l could do to relieve tho unfortunate state of affairs within the democratic party Of Missouri, would most cheerfuliy do it. If I had to split the party to win Hhis contest, I should prefer a hundred times not to win it
 The success of democratic princi- ples just now Is more important than the advancement of any individual Neither Mir Clark nor myself should be considered, but the welfare of the party kept it view If 1t is better for the party. after accepting the benefit to break the pledge made by the last democratic convention, Of which MT Clark was member and temporary chairman, then let it be broken.
 "lt Is simply a question of whether the party would be in q better posi- ton before the people. with tho pledge kept or broken. If the pledge is hcnored shall be gratified: if not l shall not complain but will give my sbest efforts to the cause of dem ocracy and do my best to quiet dis satisfaction
 The speaker then told of his con ference with William J Bryan at st. Louis last week in which the Nebras- kan urged split at the national conN ention as the solution of the Mis- souri question Speaker Clark. he declared, was responsible TOT the re- jection of Mir. Bryans suggestion.
 Referring to his failure to file dele cations for the St Louis primary. Mir Folk said.
 The St. Louis city committee dom- mated by agents Of the great corpo- rate powers of the state Instead oi being impartial arbIters. as repre- sentatives of the party. they made themselves representatives Of one candidate The members of the com mlttee, wth few exceptions. an. nounced their intention to use their official functions te carry things for their own delegations"
 Mir Folk then recited the part tue committee has taken in past cam paigns a.ld continued
 If my friends control the delega- ton and l cannot be nominated. 1t will go to some progressive like Woodrow Wilson. I want my friends over the state to cooperate with tho friends of Governor Wilson and other progressives; the reaetionsries wlll mite on one candidate. and the pro gressivos should do the same. shall The reactionaries or the progressiYes control the democratic party of Mis- souri, ask the progressive dorna crats Of the state to got into the bat- tie"