The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-08-13

my OWN STORY" is an exclusive
newspaper version of one of the great
autobiographies of modern times. La
Follettes own story of adventures in
politics as written by himself in 1912,
together with an authorized narrative
of his experiences in the years since
W SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS
INSTALLMENTS
La Toilette is defeated for a fourth
term in Congress in 1890 when Wis
consin goes heavily Democratic. One
of the first acts of the Democratic ad-
ministration is to sue all State treas
grers OF the past ~ years st, senator or
bride La Toilette to talk to Judge
Siebecker off the bench in the inter-
ests of the treasurers. When he makes
public Sawyer's attempt to corrupt the
court La Toilette is denounced on
every hand by the Republican press and
bosses Of the State. He attends the
1892 Republican national convention as
spectator and is stunned on every side:
He determines to shatter the power of
the political machine.
But it was essential to the success
Of any such undertaking that some
strong man who would appeal to the
younger and more independent
members of the Republican party
should be found to stand as the anti
machine candidate for Governor.
Such man. I felt, was Congress
man Nils P. Haugen.
Many of the counties Of the west
ern half of the State were we'll set
tied by sturdy Scandinavian pioneers
an independent, hberty-loving peo-
pie.
I knew they felt a certain pride in
Congressman Haugen's prominence
and success, and I counted on their
giving him very strong support. l
still had many friends in my old con-
gressional district, and among uni
versity men all over the State, who
could, I know, be enlisted in any
fight upon the machine.
Candidate Picked
The chances were all against win
nlng. There was every reason to be-
leve he could continue in Congress
for many years. knew he enjoyed
his work in the House, and he had
rendered good service. Ought he to
be asked to take the chance?
But there was the good State OF
Wisconsin ruled by handful Of men
who had destroyed every vestige OF
democracy in the commonwealth.
They settled in private conference
practically all nominations for i'm
portant offices, controlled conven-
lions, dictated legislation, and had
even sought to lay corrupt hands on
Dthe courts of justice.
Had I believed I could lead as
strong an attack upon this en-
trenched organization, I should not
have asked Haugen or any other
man to make that first fight. But 1
believed that however forlorn the
hope Of immediate achievement. the
great final issue demanded that the
best and strongest man should meet
/ this call as a patriotic duty.
/ Haugen raised the objections
which I had anticipated.
"You know" he said, 1.-The forces
we will have TO meet. They have
money: we have none. They nave
organization extending into every
county in the State. Our support
will be scattered and isolated. They
will have the railroads, the great
business interests. and the newspa-
pers back of them. How can we
1 hope to VIM"
Haugen agreed, however, to my
writing letters to old university
friends, calling upon them to join
in supporting him as a candidate for
/ Governor.
Our final conference was at my
home in Madison. There were pres
ent Mrs. La Toilette. whose counsel
was always valued; General Bryant
Sam Harper and Herbert w. Chyno-
weth, a leading attorney.
After consenting to stand as
candidate, Haugen said: 1T IS my
Judgment that we shall lose this
fight. and I shall be retired from
public life. But there is chance 10
win. and in any event, we will make
la beginning"
] No sooner was Haugen's candidacy