The Princeton union., 1914-01-01
Progressive Party Leaders Be-
coming Busy Politically.
why ALL THIS TURMOIL?
In View Of Recent Enactments of Law.
makers Minnesota is Near the
Top in Advanced Legislation.

st. ul-(SpeciaD-If numerous
conferences, much talk and threat
ened calls of the faithful to discuss
the future count for anything the
Progressive party is due to be some
noise in things political during the
year 1914. If the deductions of the
simon pure Progressives are to be
taken seriously they, the chosen of
the Lord, will come into their own
while the two old parties are fight
ing it out. AS to the progressive Re-
publicans II o'clock has sounded for
the boss as far as that particular
feature of party domination is con-
cerned. The Progressive party, 1
will explain, has nothing in common
with any existing party-at least its
leaders so claim. Their slogan is one
of political uplift, with the jobs pref
erably for the elect AS to the pro-
gressive Republican bunch I have not
got on to their curves yet, but suf-
flee it to say their leaders want
something. Facetious vaporings aside,
however, the New Year is due to see
considerable activity on the part of
a number of factional Progressive
leaders and the question prompts
itself: Why this assumption of au-
thority; why this promised turmoil?
If legislative enactment, returns of
the last election and signed articles
of faith by those now in authority
count for anything Minnesota is pref
ty near the top notch in a political
progressive way. Governor Eberhart
gave the people statewide primary;
at the last session Of the legislature
those in charge put on the books
presidential primary law and for fear
that would not be sufficient in a pro-
gressive way it passed a nonpartisan
primary law applicable to all Offices
except those of a state executive ma
ture. Here is progressiveism personi-
fed and, as I said, why all this tur-
moil on the part of those who should
know better?
!. !. !.
Friends over the state will be
panied to hear of the serious illness
of A. D. Brown, former Republican
with the state fire marshaPs office.
Mr.. Brown is in hospital at st. Paul
and his life is despaired of. A. D.
Brown came into public notice during
the campaign to elect J. F. Jacobson
of Lac qui Parle county governor.
He was named for state chairman by
Mr.. Jacobson and was his manager.
St. Paul friends fear that Mr.. Brown
will not recover.
!. !. !.
Santa Claus was a live wire at
the state capitol last week. AS the
result of his efforts and subscrip-
tion list literally signed by those who
secure their "eats" from the state,
Governor Eberhart was presented
with a handsome wardrobe travelling
trunk, State Treasurer Smith re-
ceived pair Of diamond studded
cuff buttons and State Auditor Iver-
son added to his worldly possessions
diamond stick pin. Other depart
ment heads figured in a minor way.
In addition to the travelling trunk
given Governor Eberhart Mrs. Eber-
hart was presented with a costly
Persian rug. All around it was the
most costly Christmas the state cap
itol has seen in some years and be-
tween you and 1, fellows, it does not
set we'll. This is a hard thing to say
at this time of the year, but human
nature is the same since Caesar ruled.
George F. Authier, secretary to his
excellency, told me that he parted
with $175 the two days preceding,
and 1 do not doubt it. He was not
kicking, he was simply pitting his
touch against the drain made on the
resources of every other official and
employe in the building. Mr.. Authier,
if anything, is inclined to be unlike
other men, for ye newspaper man has
lived and he gives accordingly. His
reward is in knowing that while two
fakes probably profted, one deserving
poor devil must have been benefited.
Between Good Fellow" clubs, needy
individuals and presents for heads of
departments state capitol officials
were hit hard this year. Mr.. Authier's
touch is only an example.
!. !. !.
And they say it does not pay to ad-
vertise. Those who hold to such have
another guess coming. Last month
Governor Eberhart received a letter
from Boston (Mass.) woman an
nouncing that she was the head of
an association the aim of which was
to provide Northwestern bachelors
with wives. Her name is Mrs. Caro-
line Smith. This week Governor
Eberhart was asked to use his good
offices in securing a lifemate for a
Maynard (Minn.) bachelor, but he
has refused to interfere Governor
Eberhart says he is prepared to
handle anything in the way of state
problems, but he draws the line at
marital relations.