THE EEE: OMAHA, TUESDAY. OCTOBER 29. 1918.
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George W. Norris the Man
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BY WILLIAM KENT.
(Former leader of municipal reform movement in Chicago, Ex-Con-jrettman
from California, member of Uniled State Tariff Commisiion,
cattle feeder for thirty year in Nbraha, Kent & Burke Company, and
for eight year an intimate associate of Norrie in Wahington. He has
devoted his life and fortune to advancing the cause of democracy and
ha two sons fighting for it.)
George W. Norria is one of the ablest, surest, most dili
gent members of the Senate of the United States.
He is steadily and consistently devoting his life to the
cause of democratic progress and human rights.
Equality of opportunity is not an empty phrase in his
'mouth, but is a religion to be fought for in season and out of
season. More than almost any man in the National Govern
ment, he shows a zeal and an ability to make real and to ap
ply the ideals of democracy to the daily lives of our people.
rha RpnuhliVnn Parhr in nominating him has been true
to the traditions of its founders to the passionate longing
for human liberty to the belief in an inseparable nation
with Federal powers in accord with national interests.
No one has more keenly realized or more clearly de
fined the functions and limitations of partisanship. No man
among his colleagues in the House and Senate has questioned
his sincerity or his willingness to aid and give all credit to
those going the right way regardless of their party labels.
With Chairman Gore, Senator Kenyon and others of the
Agricultural Committee, regardless of party, he has fought
the good fight for the agricultural interests. Senator Owen,
president of the Popular Government movement, has shared
the leadership with him. Senator Hollis, the progressive
Democrat from New Hampshire, has volunteered his fullest
indorsement. His Republican colleagues give their testi
mony;. Though the exigencies and customs of party politics
debar many from indorsing those of the opposite party in
whom they have most confidence, Norris' home folks should
know and appreciate the dause and the meaning of his col
leagues' trust in him and the power for good conferred by
their esteem. It is built on fifteen years of faithful service.
It is a good will that Nebraska cannot afford to lose.
In the clear realization of his duty as he has seen it, he
has defended for himself and others the right of free speech
and of criticism. He has done all in his power to help the
successive administrations in, Washington in the efforts to
follow courses he deemed right. He has nevtr conceded an
inch to the partisan wickedness that would hamper national
business for the sake of partisan advantage.
He is carefully constructive in his work and in his
thought, a plain, practical, sensible sort of man, sure-footed
and brave.
, His kindly1, humanity, his plain good sense, made, him
averse to militarism and to war. With the majority of Ne
braska people and with the President, he hoped and believed
that we could be spared from the horror, for a high service
of peace making and the relief of the shattered peoples. He
found himself facing a war declaration which he regarded as
premature and he stood by his convictions. Information not
then possessed by him, or any of us, has since become avail
able. Definite war aims have been stated. Since the dec
laraion of war he has done all in his power to help. His rec-
ord ia one of the highest loyalty to principle and to country.
He stands and will stand to the end of the end against an in
conclasiyejpeace.;' His response is the response of his people,
slow to anger, 'hating war, but will to fight till fear of con
quest Is banished from the world.
Going back to the detail of his service, there has been no
more intelligent or efficient advocate of the indispensable
agricultural interests upon which rests our national struct
ure. - - ."
He has stood squarely for the rights of labor. He has
done all in his power to see that our natural resources are ad
ministered in the common interest.
He ha fought for the recognition of the rights of the
people to go down the line with their own government with
out all the side tracks, switches, turntables and "Ys" that
hayevpermitted machine rule in the interest of the powerful.
' He has stood up against the waste and the wickedness
of the liquor traffic.
He lias worked for the public ownership of public util
ities. In his contention for the suffrage for women, he has
been true to his philosophy of permitting the people to rule.
He has accummulated the enmity of railway magnates,
of packers, of looters of the public domain, of liquor interests,
of machine politicians, and the whole tribe that batten and
fatten on privilege.
They are shrieking "disloyalty" at this man whose un
selfish life has demonstrated a loyalty beyond theif powers
of comprehension. They have reason to fear this modest,
gentle, vigorous apostle of public rights and .public right
eousness. They look for the return of a vanished day, un
mindful of the fact that its return would lead to the destruc
tion and the waste of revolution. They cannot see what some
,of us clearly see, that the real conservatives are men who by
daily struggle consistently apply the sentiments of democ
racy to conditions as they arise,. and that through their work
an orderly progress is made possible. In this evolution
' George W. Norris is an indispensable leader. . .
As a candidate for re-election to the Senate, I ask the
people' of Nebraska to give a fair and candid consideration
to the record I have made during the sixteen years of my,
service. During all that time, in every official act I have bsen
guided by my conscientious convictions as to what was right
in the light of the information which I possessed. I have
worked for constructive and progressive measures, following
a fixed policy, looking toward the destruction of special priv
ileges and bettering of the conditions of our people.
PROSECUTION OF THE WAR The most important
proposition confronting the American people is the vigorous
and energetic prosecution of the war. The paramount object
Lmust be to make this the last war, and all the steps necessary
to bring that about must be accomplished. I am opposed to
any treaty of peace that will not make the world secure from
a repetition of the present struggle and that will not make it
impossible for the Kaiser and his military chieftains to bring
about in the future a repetition of present conditions.
FINANCING THE WAR I have favored the payment
of war costs, in the largest possible measure, out of current
taxation, to the end that at its close as small a burden as pos
sible will be imposed upon posterity. Taxes should rest heav
iest upon large incomes and should take at least 80 per cent
of profits derived from the war. There should be a progres
sive inheritance tax. Conscription of wealth is as necessary
as the conscription of men.
To the
People
of
atoir Ger
Nebraska
"We are in the war and must carry it
to a successful issue whatever the cost
may be. It must be carried on until the
autocracy headed by the kaiser is driven
from power and overthrown and a peace
established as permanent as human in
genuity can make it."
G. W. NORRIS.
Senate Speech, May 3, 1918.
THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD
When the war ceases will come critical
years in our history. We shall need heavy
taxes to retire our debt and also for recon
struction purposes. The principles of taxa
tion adopted in war time should, with some
modifications, be continued in times of
peace until the last bond is paid. We should
prepare opportunity for our returning sol
diers, furnishing them with productive em
ployment, in view of the vast displacement
of labor. Unused land should be opened up
and prepared fpr our people, with a full rec
ognition that such effort is not a national
waste, but will produce a national wealth to
be shared by all.
PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION
OF FOOD The unorganized farmers who
produce the food and the unorganized consumers who must
purchase it should be protected from organized associations,
both necessary and unnecessary, that intervene between the
two extremes. In order to stimulate the production of food
it is necessary that the producer be assured a fair and rea
sonable profit for his efforts. In the end this will redound
to the benefit of the consumer as well as the producer. The
most important item of food, an abundant supply of which
is absolutely necessary to win the war, is wheat; and instead
of fixing the price to the producer below what could be made
from the same land in the production of other cereals, the
Government should devote its energies to preventing unrea
sonable and extortionate profits on the part of the various
organizations and corporations who handle it from the time
it leaves the farm until, in the shape of flour, it reaches the
table of the consumer. There should be no private monopo
lies, no organized profiteers, between the producer and the
consumer to coin the sweat of the farmer and the laborer
into tribute paid to privilege.
THE PACKERS I am in sympathy with the findings of
the Federal Trade Commission, and believe they have point
ed out the remedies that will break up the monopoly and
profiteering of the great meat-packing combinations. The
stockyards at the great packing centers should be public
market places, and at such should be owned and operated by
the public without profit. Refrigerator cars and other priv
ate cars for live stock are part of the railway equipment, and
should be taken over by the railroad administrator and op
erated as other common carriers.
WATER POWER DEVELOPMENT The water power
of the nation, an unwasted perpetual asset, should be de
veloped as rapidly as possible. Wherever private agencies
GEORGE W. NORRIS,
"This is a war for world freedom. There are some, how
ever, who are using our flag as a screen to hid profiteer
ing. They would see the democracy for which we fight
done to death before they would stop their plundering or
surrender their privileges. This practice was denounced
by Senator Nortis as putting the dollar sign on the Ameri
can flag'
are licensed for such development they must be controlled to
prevent monopoly and extortion. I have opposed all legisla
tion that was subject to the danger of improper use of the
privilege, while I have urged and aided the effort to enact
laws that would authorize and properly control such devel
opment. LABOR LEGISLATION I believe in the organization
of labor and have always aided in legislation to protect the
weak against wrong. I worked for the passage of the law in
tended to destroy the evil of child labor. The recent decision
of the Supreme Court rendered by a majority of one as to the
constitutionality of that law does not end the fight. We must
pass legislation not open to the criticism of this decision. I
supported the Seamen's Bill, which relieved American sailors
of a slavery descended from the days of the galleys and gave
them the aivil rights which we all enjoy, and which made the
following of the sea a career worthy of our young men.
PROHIBITION The liquor traffic from top to bottom
is wasteful. It should be abolished as a war-time necessity to
conserve food, fuel, transportation facilities and man power
needed to win the war. The saving, good in war time, id
good at all times, and this demoralizing influence should
never be permitted to return to curse our people.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM I have al
ways favored the extension of the civil serv
ice, which means the abolishment of parti
sanship in high places and of the turning
over of high offices as a reward for partisan
political effort. ' I spent much time and ef
fort on a bill that would have classified the
postof f ice as a business and prevented its
use as a feeding trough for pouticans.
FREE SPEECH The right of free speech
and a free press are the fundamental cor
nerstones of human libertv. and no free gov
ernment can long exist without them. I
have opposed giving to the Postmaster Gen
eral some of the powers that have been con
ferred upon him. Instead of assisting to win
the war, such power when arbitrarily used
will divide our people and tend to destroy
the democracy at home that our soldiers are
fighting to establish in Europe.
' IRRIGATION I have always supported
legislation tending to develop irrigation in
the West. I have personally inspected all
the eovernment irrigation projects and pro
posed projects on both sides of the North
Platte River, and it will be conceded by
those who know that I have at least been
partially instrumental in the extension of
those governmental activities in our State.
I have advocated in the senate, as well as in Nebraska, that
the government should pay a part of the expense incurred
in the construction of all irrigation dams that hold back flood
waters from the Mississippi River, thus making it unneces
sary at Government expense to build levees farther down the
stream.
RAILROADS I favored taking over the railroads by
the President, and voted for the bill that gave him that au
thority; but I opposed to the limit of my ability the bill that
authorized the President to pay these railroads the average
dividends of the three pre-war years, which constitute a
higher dividend than any three successive years in the his
tory of the country. It means in our State the payment to
the Union Pacific of about 10 per cent, to the Northwestern
over 10 per cent, and to the Burlington over 22 per cent.
CONCLUSION These are some of the principal things
for which I have worked since I have been in public life. The
record of my service in the past is the promise I make to the
people for the future. To all conscientious, honest and loyal
citizens who agree with me in the political policies for which
I stand, and in earnest support of which I have given all the
years of my public service, I appeal for vindication and sup
port. If I am re-elected I will be under obligations only to
the thousands of citizens who gave me their support because
of their belief in the righteousness of our cause. My success
will be yours, and my failure likewise will be yours. In the
last analysis your decision is the supreme law, and by your
judgment I will cheerfully abide.
LIVE STOCK MEN THANK NORRIS
Dear Sir: We wish to express our appreciation of the active and
intelligent interest you have taken in the great agricultural problems
confronting the country, and especially your efforts, during the past
year, toward placing the live stock industry on a sound basis. Your long
experience in Congress and your thorough understanding of these prob
lems make you a most valuable asset to the stockmen of the country. We
consider that the effective work you have done ' constitutes patriotic
service of a very high order.
(Signed) H. A. J ASTRO, EDWARD L. BURKE,
IKE T, PRYOR, JOS. M. CAREY.
Chicago, Sept. 17, 1918. ,
NOTE Those signing J&e above letter to Senator Norris include the most prom
inent members of the American National Live Stock Association. Mr. Pryor is
president: Mr. Jastro is chairman of the market committee; Mr. Burke and Mr.
Carey (former United States Senator from Wyoming) are members of the committee.
The association as a body makes no political recommendations. Such a statement
from those most active in the contest against the control of the packers is worthy
of careful consideration.
If the People Could Watch Congress
By Judson King, Executive Secretary of
National Popular Government League.
IMfYTF Tk n urn aba of the National PonuUr Government Leatue of Washington,
D. C, is to promote legislation, state and national, which will help to abolish political
corruption and place more direct power over their government in the hands of tt4
people. It is strictly non-partisan. Its president is U. S. Senator Robert L. Owen
of Oklahoma. Senator in orris is a memDer 01 me executive iommnioe. mr. iting,
its secretary, has worked in nearly every st.ite of the union for the league measures
and has a wide knowledge of public men and what they stand for in the political life of
the nation.
I wish the people of Nebraska could sit as in some vast
theater and watch Congress at work on the stage. If they
could then get behind the curtain and see the lobbyists at
work, watch the wire pullers shifting scenery and creating
false issues; note the promoters the monopolists, water
power grabbers, land thieves, railroad lawyers and the rest,
all too often directing the play and casting the plot if the
people could see all this, they would appreciate, as never be
fore, what Senator Norris means to them and the nation and
there would be no question as to his return.
For they would find him always with a small group of
fearless men putting the Common Good above "politics" and
representing the people, not the trusts.
Do you think THIS crowd yelling "disloyal" at Norria
from Wall Street to Omaha are sincere? If so, why their
silence at the reactionaries who voted against war? When
did they work for the people? When did they become the
only patriots? I tell you that right now they are causing
trouble and fighting the President's war policies as expressed
in the Trade Commission, the War Labor Board, Daniels,
Baker and Creel. Norris is supporting these. When the
President talks of a League of Nations to end war forever,
and removing the economic causes of war THEY are silent.
Norris is for it.
The President demands suffrage as a war measure. Some
senators will oppose it still. Will they call Norris "traitor"
now?
Big business shouts for democracy in Europe but no
increase of it here, hence they fight Norris. The people want
both. The President has too much democracy to suit the in
terests; he can never have too much to suit Norris. I have
worked with him for six years and know him. He fights to
end political corruption and give you more power to govern
yourselves. That is the test of a true American and a true
Republican.
And he proved his faith by his words in March, 1917,
when the storm of abuse was fiercest, by telling the Gover
nor of Nebraska he would resign if he would call a special
election and let the voters decide whether he wa3 represent
ing their will or not. The request was refused.
Commercialism is trying to capture our government s
for reaction now, for the peace table and for the next genera
tion. Every forward looking person who knows the game is
calling send Norris back. What will Nebraska do?
Washington, Sept. 30.
Against Political Corruption
By Edwin S. Potter, Associate Editor
"The Searchlight on Congress."
NOTE The National Voters' League of Washington, D. C, la a non-partisaa
organization which furnishes unbiased records of member of Congress and prepares
summaries of the results for each session. Mr. Potter, the able associate editor of tha
League's journal, knows the "inside" as few men do.
George W. Norris served in the House from 1908 to;
1913 as Representative from the Fifth Nebraska District.
Since then as Senator. In the House he was an independent
Republican with progressive ideas. He stood for open com
mittee hearings; against caucus domination; and in 1910
led and won the! celebrated fight against machine rule in the
House, which won national attention and approval. He re
sisted what is known as "special privilege" legislation and
favored measures promoting agriculture and the interests of
labor. He was known and appreciated as a hard worker,
. The same tendencies have marked his Senate career. Aa
to diligence, our tabulations show that he ranks among the
eight highest senators in voting at roll calls; in committee
work and floor attendance.
Of more importance the records show he was not absent
when crucial and important questions were being decided,
and did not shirk responsibility. Few Senators spend as much!
time as he in study and critical analysis of pending law. He
is apt in discerning and pointing out "jokers."
In reaching conclusions he is cautious, but open-minded
with respect for facts, and firm when once decided. He is the
despair of the lobbyist, the party caucus and party whip,
since he cannot be induced, for either party or personal ad
vantage, to support a measure his judgment or conscience
disapproves.
The significant factor in Norris' long record is its con
sistency. Hundreds of test votes show him always against
political corruption or corporation intrigue and always for
what he thought the welfare of the masses.
Norris is without prejudice against big business as such.
but he objects to giving unfair advantage by law to them as
against small business and the public.
He is not progressive before election and reactionary after. He
does not straddle vexing is3ues nor dodge voting on them. He is a force
to be reckoned with, but not spectacular nor a self advertiser.
He thinks with and votes for the majority of the people, but not
blindly nor for political effect since he has opposed laws considered pop
ular, either because he thought them wrong in principle or containing
"jokers" which made them farcical. There is no more severe test of
courage than this, as such action Is almost sure to be misunderstood until
the people know the truth, which is difficult for them with the press '
controlled as it is.
If consideration for and devotion to the will and welfare of a ma
jority of the people be held the standard by which to judge, then no
member of Congress stands higher than Senator Norris. His broad, far
sighted views and steadfast courage in fighting for them classify him, as
a statesman and builder as distinguished from a self-seeking politician 'or
political servitor.
Vi
SENATORS FREE FROM CORPORATION CONTROL INDORSE NORRIS
' LENROOT OF WISCONSIN Senator Norris is for the vigorous
v prosecution of the war to victory. His loyalty to the United States can-
not be questioned by anyone who knows him. If I did not believe that he
. would resist peace until German militarism is crushed, I would not write
this indorsement.
The Republicans of . Nebraska have shown their confidence in him
x bjr nominating him for re-election.
' "VI have known George Norris for ten years. I was1 closely associated
' with him during his service in the House and I know the man. His one
motive is to be of service, to do what he can to make this country better,
not for a few of us, but for all of us. During all the years I have known
him he has been a brave and consistent fighter against special privilege
nd for justice for all the people. He has made mistakes, as have all
of us, but he has never considered personal advantage in anything that
, he-has'done.
Norris can be relied upon to support all measures necessary for the
prosecution of the war, and when the war is over he can be relied upon
: to fight with ability both the forces of reaction and the forces of destruc
tion that will be seeking to control the government. He has helped and
will continue to help make the Republican Party the instrument, through
'Which a greater' degree of justice, a wider measure of liberty shall be
i secured by and for the American people.
! Sept: 17, 1918. (Signed) IRVINE L. LENROOT.
. ' ' ..i f
, KENYON OF IOWA I have served six years in the Senate with
George W. Nqrris. ; I know the man. his viewpoint upon legislation, and
I have frequently said,, as I am glad to say now, that there is no truer
representative of the people's interest in the Ameriaan Congress than
George W. Norris. There are no underground wiresfrom the citadels of
special privilege reaching mi affecting him in legislation.
. : ;;U r.H-,-p - : -....
- v i ... .
I might cite as evidence of the fact that he has stood for the best
things in our legislation some of the measures that have had his assist
ance, viz.: He fought for a national child labor law; he fought for pro
hibition 'and all other measures for social and industrial justice. He
foueht Dork in nnnrnnrinfinn Killo Tin lino fntiVt iU j
sisted that taxes be levied in proportion to the ability of people to Day:
tVlnt fho crr-oat Tito. J U. 1 .. .1 '
aiiuuiu ucor a neavy proportion 01 me expense
of the war, and naturally these things have aroused enmity, and power
ful interests undoubtedly will. do everything within their power to de
feat this representative of the people and take him out of the halls of
Congress. The people of the Nation outside of the State of Nebraska
and who are not interested in special privileges have the right to urge the
people from Nebraska to return Senator Norris to the Senate that he
may there continue to act as the champion of everything that helps the
average, everyday man and woman in this country and everything that
makes for a better nation along all industrial and social lines.
Sept 12, 1918. (Signed) WM. S. KENYON.
BORAH OF IDAHO I have been an admirer of George Norris ever
since he began his distinguished career in the House. He was one of
the pioneers of the progressive movement at the Capital. I have been
closely associated with him and his friends since he entered the Senate.
He is a clean, courageous and patriotic public servant
There is jio. man who more faithfully and persistently urges legis
lation in behalf of the general public and the people than George Norris.
He is able in debate, and exceedingly efficient and industrious in com
mittee. I believe in him absolutely as a man and as a public servant, and
nope ne wiu continue to be in the place whicft be now occupies.
Aug. 5. 1918.
(Signed)
W. E. BORAH.
JOHNSON OF CALIFORNIA I do not assume to interfere in your
local politics, and, obviously, I do not speak in disparagement of any
person. When, however, a public servant has demonstrated his worth
and his high character, when he has rendered signal and lasting and
valuable service to his country, it would be a poor colleague who would
not in simple justice state the facts.
George W. Norris is one of the cleanest, finest, ablest and most in
dustrious Senators. He is ever alert and active, always on the job. He
decides without fear or favor, for the right, as he sees it. No power can
sway, no influence swerve him from a course his conscience and his
patriotism determine. His unquestioned ability, his rugged and fear
less honesty, his keen insight and understanding, have won for him one
of the high places in the United States Senate. His representation of the
State of Nebraska has given added luster to the fame of Nebraska's great
sons. His loss to the Senate would be the Nation's loss.
Aug. 11, 1918. , (Signed) HIRAM W. JOHNSON.
CUMMINS OF IOWA As the campaign for election of United
States Senators is drawing near I feel that I must express my deep in
terest in Senator Norris' success. My interest is both political and per
sonal. In view of the grave and difficult problems of a domestic char
acter which w.e must confront the moment peace comes, I want to see a
Republican majority in the Senate to deal with them; for I believe that
whatever may be the differences between members of our party, the
party is fundamentally sound and can bring about the necessary read
justments with more justice and wisdom than any other.
I want to see Senator Norris re-elected, because he stands always
for humanity first, and is willing to fight for his convictions; and if the
Republican party is to endure and recover its supremacy, for which we
are working and hoping, it will reward men of his type by renewing their
commissions for service to the Nation. His industry, fidelity and in
fluence have been conspicuous from the beginning, and I sincerely hope
there may be no interruption in his public life. However his enemies may
distort his former attitude toward the war, his associates in Washington
all know that there is no man more determined than he that this' world
struggle shall be fought through to a complete and crushing victory over
Germany and that the German military system shall be forever destroyed,
Sept. 17, 1918. (Signed) ALBERT B. CUMMINS.
JONES OF WASHINGTON I sat next to Senator Norris during Ma
first term in the House of Representatives. I came to know him well.
His devotion to the best interests of his people and his courageous adher
ence to what he believed to be right won my highest respect. That same
courage and devotion have marked his service in the Senate and no one
who knows him doubts his honesty and sincerity of purpose or questioni
his patriotism.
In the Senate I have been brought in intimate touch with him Ox con
nection with temperance and prohibition legislation. He has been one of
the most earnest and effective workers for temperance legislation and
we can always depend upon him to do all he can and what is best on this
important subject.
Senator Norris keeps in touch with the hopes and aspirations of the
people. He is fully abreast of the humane sentiment of the times,. The
welfare of the people is his controllmg guide in his official action. Be
lieving as I do that the application of the fundamental principles of
Republicanism is essential to the highest welfare of the country during
and after the war, I cannot urge too strongly his re-election to the Senate.
With the close of the war, we will be confronted by questions that will
require for their proper decision, the highest courage, the truest devotion
to principle and the most patriotic love for country than can be shout
Senator Norris can be depended upon to show these high qualities '
Sept.; 15, 1918 t (Signed). W. L. JOflO '
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