Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1915-01-14
PRESIDENT OPENS
FIRE ON FOES IN
INDIANA ADDRESS
Wilson'S Speech Virtual An
nouncement of His Candidacy,
Plea Fer Party Unity and
Reply to Critics.
STRIKES RIGHT AND LEFT
Thousands Cheer When He Says
Public Must Judge Whether
He Knows What He Is
Talking About.
STRIKES RIGHT AND LEFT


Woodrow Wilson. in yelled reference to
the future, virtually announced his can
didacy for the democratic nomination
for president in his Jackson day speech
here late Friday afternoon. An assem-
bly, of 1000 people rose and cheered un-
Til the president himself called for quiet
when he said:
There may come a time when the
American people will have to judge
whether ] know what l am talking
about or not"
The president paused slightly, but tho
significance of his statement was
quickly grasped by those of the assem-
bly, and a mighty cheer burst forth. At
ter a ome the president, realizing
how his remark had been interpreted,
raised his hand and said:
Il did not mean TO stir up anything.
That was merely preparatory to saying
that for at least two more years ! am
free to think / know the American peo-
pie"
Defends Mexican Policy.
The president had been discussing. his
Mexican policy. after having discussed
legislation enacted during his admins
tration and the objective tactics of the
minority u criticised the attitude of
the republican party.
AS long as | am president, he
snapped, 'nobody shall interfere With
the efforts OF the 1IeNicans to get lib
erty. Europe has spilled blood and 50
can Mexico, if necessary
Then he declared the American people
might some day have the opportunity
to judge whether he knew what he was
talking about. 1t was q challenge to
the critics of "Watchful waiting -an
announcement that he would not be
swerved from the course ne has adopt
-1 S- - -,-.l- n. .-1.,, -, l.A,.l%r
republic.
The presidents address left no doubt
In the minds of his hearers thai he viii
be a candidate for the presidential.
domination, His address had been
aeralded as a pronouncement, a dcfehS"
Of his administration and an answer to
MS critics, and it was.
The president found vindication of
his record in the returns from the lest
congressional election. citing that had
t been a presidential election. the dem
>cratic candidate would have been elect
ed with q plurality of so votes in The
electoral college.
Foes Within Party.
That the president takes cognizance
Of a certain element within the DEM
ocratic party to put the administration
On the defensive Mas indicated in q
warning he gave TO democrats not to
break up the solidity of the party, III
/ man won't play on a team he mus!
get off the team he declared, adding
n the next breath. Il am captain of tha
democratic team for the present" Those
Who seek to thWart the administration
,nly gain an unenyiable position for
themselves, he said.
The president INDUCED in one of his
are bits of sarcasm when he referred
10 the republican party. Il would not
peak with disrespect of the republican
party he said. Il always speak With
great respect of the past: the past Was
necessary to the present and was a sure
prediction of the future. The republi-
.an party is still a covert and refuge
or those who are afraid, for those who
want to consult their grandfathela
about everything.
The republicans do not know how
% do anything but sit on the lid he
continued. EVERY time the ountry
.eally wants something done it returns
he democratic party to power.
The Independent Voter.
"This country is now guided by the
independent voter. There are few
regulars OF either party left. Only
about one-tilird of the republican party
Is progressive and about two-thirds OF
the democratic party are progressives.
Therefore. the democratic party is
more progressive than the republican
party"
II ! lilNVi ti
animated conservative" He declared
amidst applause that the democratic
party was carrying out the progressive
aspirations of the nation. Praising the
federal reserve act. he aid hat this
was the first time in years when Jam
aary ] had not brought financial
~strin@ency 10 business men.
The president attacked the repuh-
lican senators opposing the govern
ment ship purchase bill. whom he
characterized as 'self-styled friend of
business"
Ship Purchase Sill.
He said the credentials of these men
as friends of business will be
harmed if they defeat the bill.
Il would rather pray for such men
than abuse Them" he went on. He
declared the democratic party knows
how TO serve business and is steadily
proving the fact. The country needs
the ship purchase bill and will rave it,
he declared
He was introduced by Governor
Ralston. of Indiana. and the presidents
address was preceded by the singing
of I'VE Take Our Hats Off to You,
Mr.. Wilson, by an actress.