New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-12-26
PARTY DISCIPLINE.

When the President, in his late message to
Congress- said that political craftsmanship had
almost ceased to exist, especially in the
agricultural regions" he RETAINED from CIV
ing to the supporters of his Administration
any opinion concerning this condition of af-
fairs. California Republicans, considering,
perhaps, that they do not dwell in agricul-
tural regions, seem very much disguised with
the decay of political craftsmanship. To
say that many of them have for years
got their ;. meat and drink (and a
great deal of both) by clamOring Justify
for party division and discipline would be
mildly putting the case. Like party man
ayers in other States, they have found the
partition of the lOaves and fishes pleasant
and profitable. Their craft is in danger, and
they consider the Presidents allusiOn to a
surcease of craftsmanship as giving signs of
woe that all il lost. The election of the Hon.
Newton Booth and Judge IIagar to the
United States Senate is looked upon by the
average California politician as sure pre-
SAGE that the END of all things is near at
hand.
II is mirtli-moving to read the comments of
the Republican newspapers and politicians OF
California ON the dreadful Crisis In their
affairs. They are aghast at the treachery OF
n Republican who dares be q candidate for
the Senate on an independent platform they
lack words to express their amazement that
other Republicans can vote for such candi-
date. The Republican members of the Legis-
latrre who voted for Booth are held up to
pubhc scOIn in the party journals. When
Gov Booth became prominent as candidate
for the Senate, nothing could be said against
him but this He is an enemy of the party that
"electcd him" 1t was forgotten that the
Republicans needed him in 1871 more than he
needed them; At their wits end how to carry
the State, the Republicans nominated Booth.
RepublOanism meant absolute subserviency
to the rings and monopoly interests in the
State. Booth was elected after giving fair
notice of his independence; he refused to
pledge his Office to the support of any rings the
people applauded him; new party sprang
into existence on that issue and it swept
the State in 1873 Gov. Booth be-
came tho Independent candidate for the
Senate and. was elected. Now say
the partisaus, "the Republican legislators
who voted for Booth we're chosen to serve
our party they have not done so; let them
resign Says one of the party organs {:
"The Official must not change his party with
:" out resigning his Office. He is not chosen
"to serve the public alone; he has pledged
himself to his party as well as to the State"
Therefore, having declined to vote for the
Republican caucus nominee. certain specified
members Of. tho Legislature must resign.
These dnll souls cannot understand the divine
right Of bolting. Nevertheless, the people, who
make and unmake parties, believe that men are
elected TO Office for the sole purpose of serving
the people. IF they cannot do 1t in the party
they mist holt. IF Republicans or Democrats
anywhere are 80 rich in membership that they
can afferd to exclude men who have imperative
personal convictions of duty, they will have
ample opportunity for accommodation.