Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1914-08-06
A QUESTION OF PRINCIPLE
Joseph E. Davies Tells Why Wiscon-
sin Democrats Should Support
Hustine and Aylward.

| SSoSpu 0dNICo why "tBCOn-
sin Democrats Should Support
Hustins and AyIward.
In letter written to The Milwaukee
Journal in response to request for
an expression of his views concerning
the political situation in this state, Mr..
Davies, who is the Wisconsin member
of the Democratic national committee,
says:
Recognizing his strength and cam
paigning ability, many of us urged
upon Mr. Awkward that he put aside
his ambition to become senator and be-
come candidate for the governorship
For years he has fougnt the Progressive
fight in Wisconsin and given of his
time and ability and his substance 1t
was great deal to ask.
Awkward took the big attitude and in
the interest Of harmony consented to
set aside his personal ambition and
make the run for governor. In this
manner was the issue made clean cut,
with q Progressive Democrat of tried
character and record, candidate for
the senate, and strong, Progressive
Democrat n candidate for the govern
orship.
Aylward's Offer to KareI.
This further should be said, that not
only did Mr.. Awkward consent to with
draw in his ambition for the senate,
and run for the governorship, but he
agreed to retire voluntarily and entire
ly eliminate his personality from the
situation il Mr.. Karel would do like
wise. The proposition was suggested
to Mr.. karel, at my instance, by friends
Of both men. and it was met with an
outburst of temper and intolerance. 1t
had been my intention to take this
matter up with the conference of
Karel's friends in Milwaukee at their
SO called convention, but in view of
this attitude of mind which we found
to exist, and in view of the fact that
for the greatest part this convention
was composed of personal friends of
Karel's, it was held to be entirely futile
and useless. The only proposition that
would be considered M it was brought
to us, was that Karel should be can
didate for either senator or governor,
and that Awkward should be candi-
date for the other place
Principles and Men.
If this were matter merely of the
division of spols between factions. if
this We're matter merely of men and
not fundamentals. this could have been
arranged, but fundamentally we regret
those associates and that character
which, in our Judgment, makes Mr..
karel out of tune and sympathy with
the Democracy of the state and nation
rs II candidate for governor, and makes
him equally impossible IN a candidate
for the senate.
Harmony is n desirable thing, but
harmony cannot be purchased at the
cost of principle. Harmony cannot be
purchased by the yielding of an essen
tial
Peace is II good thing, but peace at
the cost or substantial sacrifice of the
vital things which affect our state can
not be purchased by Il sacrifice of those
things.
1t is my firm belief that the Demo-
cracy of the state of Wisconsin is
fundamentally open minded and pro-
gressive in its character. Such has
been my conviction during the years in
which | have labored for the party,
and | believe that in this situation,
upon second thought, the people are
going to set aside any personal feeling
that they may have with reference to
the personalities of the candidates. and
are going to line up on the QUESTION of
principle and not of men. 1t may be
as well. too, that the issue be clearly
drawn and that the fight be made now
that we may know what the character
of the Democracy of the state of Wis.
Consin is.
Husting and Awkward.