Omaha daily bee., 1916-09-28
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Light on the Democratic Record.

Lincoln, Sept. 27-To the Editor of
The Bee: 1t seems that our friends
would have us believe President Will
son is great friend of the people.
Let us see.
When he came into office, the law
permitted vessels in coast-wise bust
ness to pass through the canal free.
This would have made freight rates
from the entire eastern half OF the
United States to the Pacific coast,
about 81 ton cheaper by water, and
the same from the Pacific coast to the
east. Railroads from the east to the
coast would have to make the rates
to compete with the canal rates, as
through rates now and always have
met water rates, but when Wilson
had the free toll repealed, the canal
rates were higher, and allowed the
trans-continentai railroads to charge
a higher rate for thr, Igh shipments,
east or west. This was for the bene-
fit of the railroads, and at the expense
of the public, not only the shipper.
but the consumer, also, as consumers
pay the freight.
They say he rendered us great SER
vice by preventing the strike. He
suggested and recommended to con-
gress that an act be passed to make
an eight hour law, for the best paid Of
the trainmen, and overtime to be paid
them, making an increase OF rs per
cent in their salaries, and he recon-
mended having the Interstate Com
merce commission investigate, and be
authorized to change freight and pas
senger rates, if necessary, because of
this change. The congressman cut
out his recommendation to have the
commission fix the rates to suit, as
that would look bad for them in the
campaign, but the intention is to have
the freight and passenger rates in
creased to pay the additional salaries
to men who are now paid from $1,000
to $2,500 per year. Do the farmers
want to pay higher freight and pas
senger rates, for the purpose of in
creasing the salaries of trainmen to
from $500 to $4,000 per year? If
they do, they should vote for Wilson.
Democrats say Wilson prevented a
strike. Wasn't it cowardly sur
render? We have peace, but isn't it
a case of peace at any price?" The
increase affects half of one per cent
of our people, and the other 99h
per cent will pay the increase, per-
mitted by the bill the democrats will
pass after the election, If the people
approve of their plans by re-electing
Wilson. 1t was an election trick. Put
ting the matter over until after the
election was an election trick, and
the democrats have not settled the
question, but simply postponed it until
the election is over, which is simply
a campaign dodge.
No one wanted to go to war with the
United States, and don't now. Wilson
nearly got us into war with Mexico,
(wanted Huerta to salute our flag,
to compensate for killing our sailors),
and made demands upon the Ger
mans, (that would have received an
swers that were different, If Germany
was not busy, and by his course with
Mexico and Europe he nearly got us
in a war, and vet he was easily in
duced to become quiet, in each case,
and they say he should be elected
again, because he kept us on of war,
when the only danger was of his o m
makings--h young man stood with a
young lady near Niagara, and there
was no danger of her falling, but
he pushed her, then he caught her.
and after she was away from the dan
ger he said she should mar y him for
saving her life. He had saved her
life in the same way that Wilson kept
us out of war.
Four years ago the democrats told
us they would reduce the high cost of
living. Can any man name anything
we can purchase cheaper? An old
darkey killed an opossum, and while
he was roasting it. on the fire, he sat
watching, but went to sleep. and
young scalawag stole and ate the
opossum and smeared some grease
on the old darkey's fingers and lips.
When the old man awoke, and saw