Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-05-11
THE LAW OF PARTY FEALTY.
Committee.


THE LAW OF PARTY FEALTY
The relations of individuals to parties
are clearly defined to the great mass of
voters. They have little difficulty in I'M
Outstanding what their duty is towards a
there are some who seem to have very
confused ideas Of the proper course for
them to pursue, appearing to believe that
it is dishonorable and belttling to con-
nectthemselves permanently with any poll
teal organization, and that their proper
place is 10 be fitting between opposing
organizations or railing against all and
startingnew ones Any irregularity in the
details OF the organization, or movements
which are dstasteful to their personal pre-
objections or judgment in nominations or
appointments, often appear TO them good
AID sufficient reasons for leaving a party
or using their efforts to defeat it, although
al the same time they believe i'll its funda-
mental principles. The following article
from tiic LID Niossc Atduei, publIShtu ull-
der the above heading, is Il very clear ex-
position of the subject, and may be of
benefit TO some who have heretofore been
in doubt as to the course they should
follow.
Partisansliip is as much duty as patriot
ism. The idea that the ''independent" voter
the man who supports ''the best man for the
place" regardless of his political principles,
is the purest man politically, and discharges
his duties as citizen most worthily, is mis-
Lakeland delusion.
Every citizen, of course, has an unquestion-
ed right to vote for the candidate of his choice
No one will dispute this, and if he places him
self on this independent ground, his action is
consistent, even if it be not wise.
Butas parties are absolutely necessary in
order to give effect to principles-as it is only
by combination of numbers and unity of ac-
ton that desired political ends are reached, it
follows logically that the man who is not a
member of party, merely wastes his politi-
cal power and neglects the only means by
which he can give power and potency to his
convictions.
No party will reflect completely the opin-
ions or follow closely the policy of any one
man. Its membership agreeing upon the most
pressing and vital issues will disagree on many
minor matters. We give voice to a portion
of our convictions and the remainder of them
are not surrendered but held in allegiance. A
man attaches himself to a political party be-
cause he believes that it is for the interest of
the country, and consequently for his own in
terest, that the principles enuncated by that
party, and the policy prescribed by it, shall
be the guiding principles and the ruling policy
Of the Government. Every impulse of patri-
otsIn. every impulse of duty, every feeling
Of enlightened self-interest impels him to sus-
tam the organization of that party-to impart
10 il all possible efficiency and vigor. Fidelity
to principles necessarily implies fidelity to the
means by which those principles may become
operative.
But no party can avoid mistakes in its ac-
ton, any more than man can always avoid
mistakes in his private business. The candi-
dates win not always be wisely selected.
Admit. now, that here are two tickets. One is
made up of men Of your own political faith,
and is supported by the party to which you
are attached. The other represents policy
to which you are opposed, and is sustained by
men to whom you have always been and are
now politically antagonistic.
Bur one OF the candidates on your owr
ticket you do not esteem to be as well quail
fed as his opponent. Now, what will you do
You perceive here divided duty. Will yor
squarely sustain your own ticket or for tho
sake of electing one man on the other side
will you weaken the efficiency of your own
party, and impair the vigor of that organza-
ton in which alone your principles find advo-
Gates: .8}
The "bolter" always makes the mistake of
sacrificing the greater good for the benefit of
the less. Principles are made effective only
through the agency of parties parties are
made effective only by fidelity to their nomi-