Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1902 — No Speeches by Democrats. [ARTICLE]

No Speeches by Democrats.

The Democratic party has not had a speech In Madison county this compaign, and, so far as evidences indicate, is not intending to have any. It is understood this is the plan of the Democratic state committee. Chairman O’Brien of the Democratic state committee Is conducting a gumshoe campaign. He goes to one place in the state and then to another and behind closed doors has a conference with a few of the select He tells them that the party has no particular issues this year, but in time to come it will have issues and pending that time he enjoins them to see that the tickets are elected. It is the old-time gum-shoe style of campaign. The party offers nothing to the people and finds no particular fault with the party in" power. The slogan is merely "we want the offices.” The Anderson ring is in sympathy with the Indianapolis bosses and with Chairman O'Brien, who was put in place by them, and are following his instructions. This method of campaign is not fair to the people. The people are asked to vote for a given set of candidates who are supposed to espouse certain principles of government and they have a right to know whether Mr. Truesdale is for sound money or free silver, for protection or free trade, for expansion or contraction; they have a right to know how the legislative candidates stand on state matters and how county candidates propose running county affairs. It is only Just and fair in a party to take the people into their confidence and tell them Just what they propose. The Republican party can always be found treating the people squarely and the Democratic party, when in the hands of men selected by the mass of the party, can be found frank and open In its position. It Is only when a party is taken over by a bunch of ringsters who have designs that won’t stand in the light of day that itß position 1b not made plain to the people. At the present time a coterie at Indianapolis have a hold on the Democratic party and if they can tighten their grasp by success at the polls, will swing it back to Cleveland and Hill. And the coterie at Anderson who have the city axid county organization bound and gagged are working with them. This year there are no issues, the Democratic party declares, to put to the front There may be issues some day, but in the meantime the word goes down the line "get the offices.” — Anderson Herald.

Mark Hanna's Watchword. In 1900 Senator Hanna said: "Let well enough alone,” His motto waa right and the prosperity of the country and the people since the re-election of William McKinley has proven It so. That same motto la Just as appropriate now as In 1900. "Let well enough alone.” Keep the Republicans In power as long as they keep things going as they have since 1897. Take no chance on a change.—Franklin Republican.

“I have great faith in the American workman, and I think he understands without the aid of many campaign speeches at this time."—Senator Hanna.