Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 72, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 August 1924 — Page 5

FRIDAY, AUG. 1, 1924

‘LA FOLLETTE IS CRANK; THINKS HE CAN BUCK RAIL COMPANY’

"MY OWN STORY” is an exclusive newspaper version of one of the great autobiographies of modern times; La Follette's own story of adventures in politics as written by himself in 1912, together with an authorized narrative of his experiences in the years since then. STXOPSIS OF PREVIOUS INSTALLMENTS La Follette enters political ilfe. immediately comes into conflict with Wisconsin political bossism; nevertheless Is elected district attorney of Dane County, make* good in this position, and then is elected to Congress despite the opposition of the "Madison ring." Asa member of the Committee on Indian Affairs, he reports unfavorably on a bill which would give unlimited opportunities for stealing timber from the Indians. Then he opposes a ‘‘pork-barrel’ bill for river and harbor appropriations. It becomes clear to La Follette that . "the only way to beat boss and ring rule is to keep the people thoroughly informed.” His only political organization is a clerical force to send out literature and speeches. In general, it can be said of all the group known as Insurgents or Progressives, that they have won their victories without complicated organization, without patronage and with the use of very little money. Nothing could show more conclusively that they represent a popular feeling so deep that it cannot be influenced by machine methods. At the end of my first two years in Congress I was renominated, overcoming all opposition, and carried my district, which had given me only 400 plurality m 18S4, by more than 3,500; and the third time, in ISSB, I was elected by a majority of nearly 3,000. As time passed the more familiar I became with the inner affairs of Congress, the more plainly I saw the constant crowding in of private interests, seeking benefits. I soon had another very illuminating experience. A voluminous bill was before the Committee on Indian Affairs providing for the opening for settlement of 11,000,000 acres of, the Sioux Indian Reservation in Dakota. As it was read in committee we came to a provision to ratify an agreement made by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul ind Chicago & Northwestern Railroads with the Indians fSr rights of way through the reservation. Exclusive Rights I discovered that In addition to the rights of way one company was given the exclusive right to acquire 715 acres, and the other 828 acres of land, ostensibly for “terminal facilities," and.that each road was to have at intervals of every ten miles an additional 160 acres of land, presumably for “station privileges.” I stopped the reading at this point. “This looks like to me like a town site job,” I said. “I cannot see why these railroads should have so much more land than is necessary to use directly in con nection with their business as common carriers.” I had no sooner uttered these words than the member of the committee sitting upon my right nudged me and whispered, “Bob,

Announcing The Opening of a New FURNITURE STORE Saturday, August 2 Our Policy will always be to serve the people of Indianapolis and vicinity to the be3t of our ability. To sell only good, reliable furniture at the very lowest prices. Our chain of stores enables us to buy in larger quantities at low prices and you get the benefit of this saving. Courteous and efficient service in every department. Souvenirs Will Be Given to Every Lady Visiting Our Store on Opening Day The Capitol Furniture Cos. “Where Good Furniture Costs Less” 211 E. Washington St. Opposite the Court Houre

.MY OWN STORY

'By ROBERT M. LA FOLLETTE'

ii — a r-yrs | CONGRESSMAN LA FOLLETTE

you don't want to interfere with that provision. Those are your home corporations.” But I did interfere and had the paragraphs laid over and we adjourned the session of the committee at 12 o’clock to attend the meeting of the House. I had not been in my seat half an hour when a page announced that Senator Sawyer wanted to see me. I found him waiting for me near the cloak room. We sat on a settee and talked of general matters for some time. As the Senator rose to go he said, apparently as an afterthought: "Oh, say, La Follette, your committee will have coming up before long the Sioux Indian bill. There is a provision in it for our folks up in Wisconsin, the Northwestern and St. Paul Railroads. I wish you’d look after it.” “Senator Sawyer,” I said, “we have already reached that provision in the bill, and I am preparing an amendment to It. I don’t think it’s right.” “Is that so,” said the Senator, in apparent surprise. "Come and sit down and let’s talk it over.” We argued for an hour. Sawyer presenting .every point in favor of granting the railroads the prior right to acquire all the land they wanted. This was the first tlir.e Sawyer had directly and personally attempted to Influence me In a matter of legislation. I was respectful to him, hut could not yield to his view. I told him that I thought It right to permit the railroads to acquire the land necessary for rights of way, yards, tracks, sidings, depots, shops, roundhouses and indeed, all they needed solely for transportation purposes, and should favor such a provision. But as framed.

the provision plainly allowed them to get prior and exclusive rights to much more land for town site and other speculative uses; that besides they were not required to build their lines within any definite time, and might hold the land to the exclusion of all others indefinitely, without turning a sod or laying a rail; that It was unjust to the Indians and the public, and I could not support it. He was not ill-tempered, and said he would see me again about it. Forty-eight hours later Henry C. Payne arrived in Washington. He was secretary of the Republican State Central Committee, political manager of the Wisconsin machine, lobbyist for the St. Paul Railroad and the Beef Trust, and had the backing of the important corporate interests of the State. Obviously he bad been summoned to Washington by Sawyer. Everybody was taught to believe that Henry C. Payne had some occult and mysterious power as a political manager, and that when he said a thing would happen In politics or legislation, it always did happen. He was of that union of private business ard politics that carried on its face apparent edvotion to the public interest. Well, Sawyer and Payne came to see me night after night for a week or more. Payne was rather stiff and harsh, but Sawyer fatherly—much like a parent reasoning with a wayward child. Nils P. Haugen, Congressman from the Tenth district, occupied a seat near me. One day he said: “I want to tell you something. I saw Payne last night at the Ebbltt House, and he went for you. He said ‘La Follette is a crank; If he thinks he can buck a railroad company with 5,000 miles of line, he’ll find out his mistake. We'll take care of him when the time comes’.” Payne was as good as his word. He fought me ever afterward. But I got my amendment through allowing the railroad to acquire the necessary right of way, twenty acres of land for stations, and only such additional land as the Secretary of the Interior should find to be a necessary aid to transportation, prohibiting the use or sale of any of said lands for town site or other purposes, and providing that each of said roads should construct and operate their lines or forfeit the lands so acquired to the Government. I felt even then, and learned far better afterward, what it meent to oppose my own party organization; but when party leaders work for corporations and railroad control, when they do not represent the people, what other course la open for a man who believes in democratic government? I believed then, as I believe now, that the only salvation for the

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

Republican party lies in purging itßelf wholly from the influence of financial Interests. I here maintain with all the force I possess that it is only as the Republican party adopts the position maintained today by the progressives that it can live to serve the country as a party organization. Private Interests Two of the incidents which I have related as examples showing how private interests sought advantages in Cong Tess involve the Wisconsin organization. But Wisconsin was no whit worse than other States. While Sawyer and Payne were getting things for their “home corporations” Quay was getting things for his and Aldrich for his, and Gorman for his corporations. And they all traded hack and forth. Sawyer helping Aldrich and Quay in getting what they wanted, and they helping him to get what he wanted. At first I saw only sporadic cases, such as I have mentioned, and it was some time before I learned how thoroughly all these interests worked together, each serving the other. It was in my second term that I crossed the trail of the national organizations of both parties meddling in legislation for corporate interests. In the session before the presidential campaign of 1888 an effort was made to pass the Nicaraguan Canal bill. Congressman Haugen and I had been active in opposing this bill. One day we received an Invitation to visit Senator Sawyer in his committee room at the Senate end of the Capitol and did so. When we arrived we found Senator Sawyer and the famous Col. William W. Dudley. Colonel Dudley was chairman of the executive committee of the national Republican committee. He was a most genial man personally, a brave sojdler of the Civil War, who left a leg at Gettysburg. But he was an old-school politician—and practical. "Bloc’ - f-Flve’* It was In .tie ’■'.Mowing campaign that the color acquired the title of “Blocks office Dudley.” through the publication of a letter to an Indiana follower giving minute instructions as to how voters should be rounded up, watched by faithful lieutenants and voted In "blocks of five.” When we entered the room, Sawyer said: “I have called you boys here to talk with you about the Nicaraguan Canal bill. I hear you are ag’ln it. Now that bill Is all right, and ought to pass. Dudley here knows r ’ about it. Dudley, you tell the .ays about It.” Colonel Dudley argued that it was very essential that the measure then on the House calendar should pass before adjournment of the session. Not meeting with any favorable response from Haugen and myself, he finally appealed to us in the Interests of the Republican party, and stated that if the bill was permitted to pass before the adjournment of

Congress, the parties interested in the canal would contribute one hundred thousand dollars to the Republican campaign fund. Having understood that PhU Thompson, a prominent Democrat and ex-representative, who had the privilege of the floor, was active in behalf of the same measure, I asked Dudley what the Democrats expected if the bill passed, and he frankly admitted that there would be a similar amount contributed to the Democratic National committee. (Continued in Our Next Issue) Identity Is Mystery By Titties Special ANDERSON, Ind., Aug. I.—ldentity of a Lithuanian who committed suicide by leaping from a fast Big Four train near here Thursday night was still unsolved today. Coroner Helbert is investigating.

'TV 1 DOUBLE RODS Drapery Rod „ Sale 1 At Unheard of Prices..... JL EACH Our Shade Sale is still on. Plain each. Scalloped with fringes, 95£ each. R. W. DURHAM CO„ 134 N. Ala. St. MA In 6829 Indiana’s Leading "Blind Men." Riley 1133.

THE SEASON’S BIGGEST EVENT IN FULL SWING RUBENS Big Clean-Up Sale Greatest Money Saving Chance in Years A real sale with a real reason, offering a most unusual chance to supply your present and future clothing needs at radically reduced prices. W e are not going to carry over a garment, hence these merciless price reductions. BE HERE SATURDAY ,WITHOUT FAIL Hundreds of these suits are appropriate for year round >rear, and these sale prices represent savings of from § A THIRD to A HALF See Our Windows for a Few of the Many Big Values . HUNDREDS OF ALL- c , **l 4\ or WOOL SUITS, Young ~ a . le I 7*05 Men’s Models Pr,ce I HUNDREDS OF ALL- c . *-| A WOOL SUITS. Snlendid Z°r * I /■•<> Quality Pnce 1 HUNDREDS OF ALL- q * 1 OC WOOL SUITS, Stylish * I HUNDREDS OF ALL- CA WOOL SUITS, Beautiful- p. * / <*>U ly Tailored rrice 4mA HUNDREDS OF ALL- ~ QC WOOL SUITS, Strictly £ . / / Hand Tailored rrice u I Extra Trousers With Many of the Suits—at Small Additional Cost

2-Piece Summer Suits Specially Priced

Palm Beach Coat* & Pants $7.95 Up

All Boys’ and Children’s Suits Reduced

Odd Trousers at Big Reductions Choice of Over 500 qr Ol ; ier Sale Pairs, Values, $5, $6, Prices, $2.95 $7, SB. Sale Price to $5.75

We're Open Till 9 o'Clock Every Saturday Night

For 38 Years a Dependable and Trustworthy Store

AGAIN ON * NEW JOB Formally Takes Over Duties as City Corporation Counsel, James M. Ogden formally took over the duties as city corporation counsel today succeeding Taylor E. Groninger who resigned to become attorney for the State public service commission. With Groninger’s resignation, Benjamin Perk, utility and budget expert, also leaves city employ to go with the commission. William Bosson succeeds Ogden as city attorney. Cat and Boy Stop Power ELKHART, Ind., Aug. I.—A small boy threw a piece of metal at a cat when it climbed a tree. The metal landed on a transmission wire, shortcircuiting It. Power facilities were halted in Elkhart for twenty-five minutes.

Gaberdine Coats & Pants $14.75 Up

Mohair Coats & Pants $11.35 Up

OPEN SATURDAY NIGHTS TILL 9

INDIANA DRY GOODS STORE 306 East Washington “The Economy Spot of Indianapolis”

It Will Pay You to Attend This Big Money-Saving Event SUMMER CLEAN-UP SALE! STARTING SATURDAY, AUG. 2 We mast ret reedy for fell stocks way ahead—therefore, the object o this sale Is to reduce present stocks. A trip to this store now will prove more lnterestlnr to money savers than a lot of words. Below we mention briefly some of the attractions. Easy to read—look them over, Uen come with the crowds to the leading shopping center on the East Side. Store open every Saturday night till 9 o’clock to accomodate customers.

HUNDREDS of PACKAGES of the VERY BEST DOMINO SUGAR Are distributed to onr customers every day. In appreciation of their patronage we make a most unusual offer which Is already known in thousands of homes. Yon should know abont It. The sugar desk is at Main Entrance where you always see so many people carrying away a "Sugar Plum.” Come get acquainted.

Ladies’ 51.69 Gingham Dresses $ 4 We Just received 300 more by request. In two previous sales they sold like hot cakes. They are wonderful values at <I.OO. Made of washable gingham In neat checks, various oolors and styles. Don’t delay—be on hand early —they are going to sell faster than ever. On sale Front Bargain Table Saturday HUB Ladies’ New Fibre Silk Sweaters,sl.9B Ladies’ $4 Wool Crepe Skirts, now $2.55 Big Lot Ladies’ Cool Dresses at $1.98 Ladies’ $4 Potted Voile Dresses, $2.98 Over 100 Ladies’ Silk Dresses, $9.00 Up to $8.50 Ladies’ Dresses, now $4.88 LADIES’ $1 PURSES Reduced to 79c 5 Only, Ladies’ Auto Coats, now SI.OO Any Lady’s Summer Hat, now SI.OO Ladies’ 75c FIBRE HOSE, 2 Prs., SI.OO Ladies’ Black COTTON HOSE, 8c Pair 1,000 Bars 10c TOILET SOAPS, 5c PAPER OF 200 COMMON PINS, lc 69c Quality Dotted Voiles, 49c Yard 15c Color Border SCRIM, 10c Yard Ladies’ SI.OO White CHEMISE at 77c LADIES’ SI.OO NIGHTGOWNS, 79c Ladies’ $1.39 White Princess Slips, $1 Ladies’ Gowns, Bloomers, Chemise, 44c Seconds Girls’ 25c HOSE, \2y 2 c Pair Children’s 85c ROMPERS, Special, 59c LADIES’ FANCY SUN HATS at 49c Infants’ Pretty White DRESSES at 59c SI.OO Grade Pink Corsets, Special, 79c Men’s 25c Grade Paris Garters, 16c Men’s Blue Chambray Work Shirts, 44c Men’s Fibre Silk SOX, Special for 25c Men’s $2 Value Bib OVERALLS, $1.49 $1.50 Large Traveling Bags at SI.OO Men’s 50c NECKWEAR, Special, 25c Men’s Rubber BELTS, Special at 19c Small Boys’ Stripe Bib Overalls, 49c Men’s $4 DRESS PANTS, Now, $2.98 Red or Blue HANDKERCHIEFS, 3c 35c Dress GINGHAM, Now 25c Yard Big Lots REMNANTS Rear of Store Heavy Paper SHOPPING BAGS, 3c Girls’ $1.50 STRAW HATS, now 50c Ladies’ UNION SUITS, Special at 29c Men’s 69c Athletic Union Suits at 49c Yard-Wide PERCALE at 19c Yard 72x90-In. BLEACHED SHEETS at 98c 27x36-In. Bleached Pillow Slips, 27c 16x27-In. Turkish Towels, Only 15c $2.50 Large White Bed Spreads, $1.79

Ladies’ White Canvas Sport Slippers Oxford and strap styles—black trim- ■ " w mingrs. Value* In M mmmmm the lot up to $2.50. II —— They will sell out Bl quickly at only ■■

Ladies’ 1-Strap Comfort Slippers, SI.OO Children’s Sandals and ScufFers, 89c Brown Munson Army Shoes, $1.98 Infants* Strap Slippers in Colors, SI,OO Boys* Tennis Shoes, Brown, White, $1

OPEN SATURDAY NIGHTS TILL 9

Ladies' Black Satin Strap Slippers qq HaTe military rub- *3 J’j ber heels. They B ■arW were priced special H am—mm it $2.50. A limited ■ supply to clean up fs In this sale at $1.98. 88l

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