Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-08-25
REpu eL,cAMsM PROTECTS HIM.

Editor Times Republican: = AS
voter and one who by request will par
ticipate in the speaking campaign this
fall in the interest Of the republican
party, I am wondering where we are
at on the state ticket and whittier we
are drifting The fight that is beins
made on Mr.. Harding, republican can
didate for governor, by certain large
and influential dailies has caused me
to give more than passing thought 10
the question of whether l should vote
for Mr. Harding or his democratic OPP
ponent Mr. Meredith, and whether !
could in good conscience join in the
campaign and at the same time repu-
date the head of the state ticket
Therefore, l have come to the conclu-
sion that as a member of the republl-
can organization there is no substan-
tial reason. even tho am a dry" why
I should bolt the ticket as to Mr. Hard
ing
So far as I can learn the only OBJ
lection being raised TO Mr.. Harding is
that he is wet" (Which is not yet
established as TO his personal habits,)
and his legislative record upon that is
sue. There is no criticism, so far as 1
am aware, of his republicanism, and
prohibition is not yet a question upon
which the party is a unit So far as 1
am aware he believes in and stands
for the principles and policies Of the
republican party. while Mr.. Meredith Is
a strict prohibitionist "a question upon
which the democratic party is not
unit,) but is opposed.to every principle
and policy of the republican party
The office of governor is an office OF
great power both legally and discre-
tionary; he has the appointment OF
many officials and commissions, in
GLIDING that OF United States senator
in case a vacancy occurs. No bill can
become law unless signed by him un-
less repa ssed over his veto or by lapse
of time he allows 1t to become a law
without his signature.
Mr. Harding was nominated under
the primary election law. law advo-
Gated by republicans and enacted by a
republican legislature. law created for
the purpose OF curing certain political
ills growing out OF the convsntion sys-
tenn among which was the nomination
of certain candidates by political trick
cry. packed caucuses. etc.
I voted against Mr.. Harding in the
primary but he was nominated over
my protest. Now, what am to doY
should I let the single question of
whether or not he is wet" control me
or should l be influenced and con-
troIled in his favor because he is re-
publican and believes in all other
things believe in politically. How am
to ignore that fact andi.vote for Mr..
Meredith because he believes with me
on the prohibition question but is ,abso-
lutely opposed to all those political
principles that I believe are Of vital i'm
portance to the welfare Of this coun-
try? @
The question of prohibition or anti
prohibition belongs to the legislature
and not to the governor, and the con-
troll of that issue is absolutely in the
hands of the people by and thru It's
legislature, and the enforcement of the
liquor laws is in the hands Of the at
torney general and the various county
attorneys turnout the state. The SUI
preme court has passed upon the va
lidity Of the present liquor laws and the
governor can do nothing as governor
to nullify or reverse those decisions
the legislature and the legislature is
controlled by the people
Now the question comes up to those
who will participate in the campaign.
what Roadway can We make in Mar
shall county when our leading daily is
pouring its canister into the head Of
the state ticket and putting the laurel
wreath upon the brow of the enemy
The Strength of the republican party
lies in its unity, and to pick out can.
didate here or there and make fight
on him because we do not agree with
him on some moral question and over
look everything else only brings retail
iation upon other candidates by the
friends of the man who is assailed A.
b Hoover.