Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 86, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 July 1899 — Pin Their Faith to Poor Crops. [ARTICLE]

Pin Their Faith to Poor Crops.

Wheatfield Telephone: While at the county seat Tuesday we ran into a “nest” of Democrats over at Babcock’s printery. (By the way this is the Democratic beadquarters) and naturally the subject of local politics as well as national was on tap as it always is where two or three of those, brethren gather themselves together. It’s funny the way old timers talk politics. They never miss an opportunity to argue in favor of the soft jobs, and the manner in which they defend their right to hold them down is something remarkable. I honestly believe some of those fear they will starve to death if they don’t get a bigger haul at the public crib. Poor fellows, it must be a harrowing thought. It reminds me of a hungry kitten clinging to its mother’s dug knowing full well that if it lost its hold on the life giving nipple it would fall by the way-side and there, in hunger and want meow its dear little life away, absolutely unable to open its eyes to find other sources where food might be obtained- Said one old timer of the group who looks forward with an eagle eye, “the Republicans will not elect a man in the next election. Crops are not good this year, and they are going to be bad next year and you fellows will have to answer for it.” Now this

is good sound argument for you. “Crops bad this year, going to be bad next year!” Just think of that will you! “And the Republicans are responsible for it.” This is where the hope springs eternal in the hangers-on breasts. If the destinies of the wheat, com and potato crops have passed from the hands of God Almighty to those of the Republican party it is a recent transaction, and one of which no record has been made. I suppose it must be so though, but I fail to understand bow said old timers known tne Crop will be a failure next year. Any light on this subject will be thankfully received. But as I started out to say, one of the saddest sights one can see is a bevy of faithful old nurslings over at headquarters pondering in sad silence upon the probable effects of next year’s election.