Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1878-04-03
Yesterdays Election.

taxpayers VIII scan the HSuIeS,
and as they view the list ofsuccess-
full and defeated candidates, will
conclude that the city could have
done far better. And SO it might.
That it did not is mis- fortune, and
will be found. so before the year
closes for which the candidates
elected are to serve. The chief
responsibility for it all is with the
Democratic party, which by its nu-
merical strength here has the pow
er to control everything from the
election of Mayor down to Pound
master. The extravaganceand reck-
lessness Of the pre- sent Board of
Street Commissioners have been
shown up in the REPUBLICAN, and
their incapacity for the transaction
of public business has been fully
demonstrated. Their frequent vio-
lations Of law have been pointed
out time and again, and it was fair
to presume that when the people
were given an opportunity to pass
Judgment upon their official actions,
it would be one of condemnation.
Judge Of the public surprise, there
fore, when the Democrats, in caucus
assembled, endorsed majority of
these very men by giving them
denomination, and virtually saying
to them that they approved of their
course the past year, and would be
satisfied with its repetition in the
year to come. That many Demo
Gratis were dissatisfied with the re-
suit Of this ssmachine" work is true;
and that they are not pleased with
the administration of affairs the past
year is equally true. But they
showed no disposition to organize
any opposition against the plotters
and schemers who managed the
caucuses, and consequently the old
ring is left in possession of the gov
eminent. Republicans were solicit
ted to lead off in movement of
this kind, but we think they wisely
concluded to leave the responsibility
with the Democrats who outnumber
the Republicans four to one, and
should be held accountable in the
premises. We advocated in good
faith the holding Of peoples con-
vention, hoping that enough indie
pendent Democrats might be found
to cooperate in nominating and
electing men without regard to pol
itics, but the .smachine" men Of the
Democratic party, and their organs,
the Democrat and Weltbuyqer, rails
ed the party war cry, denouncing
our suggestion as a scheme to foist
Republicans into office in this
strong Democratic city where they
claim none but Democrats are en-
titled to hold any position. The
effect of this contemplate balderdash
was seen in the timidity afterwards
displayed by Democrats everywhere,
and Republicans very naturally and
properly decided that under the cir
cumstances it was not for them to
haul the chestnuts out of the fire
for Democrats who wanted them
raked out, but were afraid to help
for fear of burning their political
fingers.
For what has been done there
fore, and what may follow the COM
ing year, the Democratic party is
alone responsible. Whatever may
be done in the way Of jobbery and
thievey, whether on large or
small scale, and whatever disasters
may result from electing to the var
ious offices set of men, majority
of whom are 'damphools," whose
imbecillty prevents an intelligent
discharge of their official duties, is
justly .chargeable to the Democracy.
They evidently banker after this
kind of distinction. They delight
in putting their bummers and dead
beats to the front, and so long as they
do this, we are justified in denounc-
ing them for it.