Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 October 1898 — THE ONE GREAT ISSUE [ARTICLE]

THE ONE GREAT ISSUE

MR. M’KINLEY’S WAR POLICY SHOULD BE SUSTAINED. Importance of the Coming Electior Should Appeal to Every Man Who Loves His Country and Is Proud of Her Victory Over a Barbarous ' " Nation. ~ The one great issue in this campaign is set forth in a circular letter addressed to Republicans by Chairman Hernly and Secretary Spooner of the state committee. The Democrats have no arguments to meet it. Its appeal is eloquent and convincing. Among its strong sentences are the following: “The importance of this election appeals directly to every patriotic voter, without regard to party affiliations, and as the Democrats have made such loud professions in their support of McKinley and the administration in the beginning of the war with Spain, we believe that many of them were in earnest and will stand by the president and ;his administration until terms of peace . are agreed upon, and we believe that you can appeal to the wavering and doubtful voter, as well as the patriot, and ask him to join you in the support of the Republican ticket at the polls, for by so doing he emphasizes his approval of The conduct of the war and the magnificent foreign policy of the McKinley administration. “The American flag is waving over newly acquired territory, and questions of great concern affecting the honor of the nation depend upon a settlement of these questions, so that other nations of the earth will not interfere with their adjustment. “The vital question in this campaign is, shall the American people indorse, by their votes, the attitude of their own nauuu, and say to the other nations of the world that in times of war and trouble they stand by the old flag, the army and navy and the commander-in-ohief, or shall they aid Spain and the other nations of the world by voting out of power the administration which ' has so successfully prosecuted the war? A vote to uphold the McKinley administration will show other nations that we are united, and this warns them against any interference in our settlement of j questions with a nation which our army i and,navy have conquered. “Not only this generation of voters is vitally interested in these questions, but the generations yet to come are interested that this question be settled once and for all on right lines. “We appeal to you to use all of your influence with your neighbors and friends, and ask you to see them and talk to them quietly and urge the Republicans to be at the polls and awaken in them an earnestness that will stir them on election day.

•'We must (Carry this election by a thorough precinct organization and a house to house canvass, and we must have your help. If you will join us in this great effort to uphold the institutions of free government, and see to it that all of the Republicans in your precinct go to the polls on election day, we will achieve one of the greatest victories for this nation that has been known since the memorable day at Appomatox. "We ask you to join us heartily in all of the questions of the campaign and help us all you can, so that the people may not suffer a national humiliation on election day.”