Year: 1873

Ta,e Farmers and Their Ticket.


The Republican has good deal to say about the
proposed coalition of the "Chiefs party" with
the farmers, and all its uneasiness seems TO CEN
tre upou the contest for Sheriff. But this is q
matter of course; for the lsw-givers Of the wing
of the party with which the Republican runs have
long ago declared war to the knife upon our pres
eut Sheriff.


As far as we are concerned, what we have to
saw to the farmers, we say openly in the Chief.
We do not 60 about trying to run their meetings,
picking out delegates, and fixing up states for
them. We have perfect right to make sugges-
tions. and the farmers have the same right to
adopt them if they approve Of them, or to reject
them if they do not. This right extends to sug-
gesting candidates for office, and stating their
claims


We understand the position Of the farmers to
be in favor of continuing men in Office, if they
are found to be honest, faithful, and competent,
and to select good men for Office, regardless of
their trade or calling. If We have friend who
comes up to these requirements. we may be per-
mitted to speak Of it, especially when an unjust
and groundless war is being made upon that per-
son, having its origin in spite. Mr.. Rippey, in
his ceaseless rounds of the County, tries to excite
the farmers upon the-issde of turning out all of
GERS, and putting in an entire new set. If he can
only get the farmers worked up to this point, he
will have accomplished the mission for which he
has been sent out-the defeat of one or two men
whom they have slim hopes of defeating by an
open, square issue. The ring in whose interest
RipPey operates, would rejoice in defeating Rob
srt Tracy for Treasurer; but they have little
hope Of it, for he is acknowledged 20 be the best
County Treasurer in the State, and the farmers
all have confidence in him. We dare say there
are but few farmers in the County whom he has
not accommodated and favored in pinch-trust-
ing to their honor and honesty, when a failure on
their part to fulfill their promises, would have
been Q severe blow to him,


But the Sheriff is the victim most releutlessly
sought after. The office is hard and thankless
one if the officer tries to do his duty. That duty
is generally an unpleasant one, and calculated to
stir up all the bitterness there is in man. There
is no justice or reason in the hue and cry being
kept up against Sheriff Maqulken. The farmers
have entered upon a campaign against mouop-
oly-and the monopoly of the County offices by
one or few men is one of the worst that could
exist. 1t is because the Sheriff refuses TO submit
to this monopoly, that he is pursued vindic-
lively. They cannot point to single instance of
neglect of duty. No matter what the hour or the
season. when there is anything to be done, he does
it. There is no charge against his integrity. He
has not, through neglect, faled to secure any
mans money or property that came under the
jurisdiction of his office; and he has not withheld
from the owner any money collected by him.
He has performed his duty without fear or favor,
regardless of friendship or wealth. He has fear
lcssly bearded corporate monopoly, which had
never before been done by Sheriff in Northern
Kansas: and in spite of their threats, and bluff
ing, and sharp tricks of law, he has compelled
them to respect his authority, and to answer his
lawful demands upon them. In fighting Rail-
road Corporation, he has been subjected to law
suits in the Supreme Court and the United States
District Court; and through the prosecutions of his
enemies, he has been subjected to anoyances and
lawsuits for endeavoring to preserve the peace
at home. He has come out triumphant in every
case; but they have involved heavy lawyers
fees, every one of which he has been compelled
to pay ont of his own pocket. So that it will be
seen that it costs him something to do his duty
but he does it nevertheless.


If Maquilken had subordidated duty to popu-
larity, and made every edge cut with view to
his reelection, as most officers do, he might not
now have so much opposition. But has not post
poned unpleasant duties, delayed business, or
neglected the interests of his Office, in order to
make votes for the next election. He has not
tried TO get up the reputation of being "good
fellow" in free and easy circles, when he should
have been about his business, and therefore the
men who make loud noise are against him. He
has gone about his his work, just if there were
to be no more elections However much this
may be against him in some circles, it is certain
ly no reason why straight forward men, who are
in pursuit of right and justice, should unite in
the clamor for his defeat.
We do not know whether Sheriff Maquilken in
tends to submit his claims to to the Farmers |
or not; but we are sure they could |
do no more just or praisworthy act than to sus-
tain faithful officer in the discharge of his duty
We feel perfectly confident that he will ask no
favors of any political rings or mOnopoles.