The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1881-08-04
The Downfall of Bossism."

There is one feature of Conkling's
downfall which makes it, aside from any
partisan or factional significance, pop
ular triumph. Men of all parties, and
of no particular party, see in it, SO
clearly that it is unmistakable, an indi-
cation that the days of "bossism" are
numbered. To the average citizen in
terested in good government more than
in partisan strife or "politics this is
cause for heartfelt rejoicing; and even
to the "machine" politician it must
bring a sensation of relief. For to all
alike "bossism" has been, since it first
became an established, fact, a CALLING
tyranny, and not by any means least
CALLING to those who have done the most
to uphold and sustain it.
There was no such feeling of restive-
ness OF humiliation under the leadership
which preceded "bossism." When men
event to the head" of party, as they
did in the old times, by sheer force of in
tellectual superiority, their superiority
was gloried in as well as recognized.
But since leadership became the prize of
ability to control patronage, party lead
ers have ceased to commasd respect even
from those who submit most completely
to their control. They have ruled men
through their cupidity, not through any
higher emotion and it is curious to
note, in Conkling's case, how quickly
the certainty of inability to satisfy Gu
pidity is followed by abandonment.
We do not take any such rose-colored
view of American politics as to believe
that Conkling's downfall is due to
marked reform in public or party senti-
ment on the subject of leadership.
Neither the people nor the Republican
party is any better-though we sincerely
trust neither is any worse-than when
Conkling stood in the pride of his "boss-
ism," controlling the patronage of New
York, and treating with lordly scorn
every pretense of New York Republi-
can to independence. There has been
no great change, if any, in political
morality. But there has been q change,
and mighty one, in keenness of vision.
The Republican party, and all parties,
have seen in Conkling's descent from his
pedestal what miserable sham of an
idol he was, and how utterly lacking he
was in real capacity for leadership.
With their eyes fully opened they see
how completely barren his whole career
has been of service to the country or the
people; and those who have followed
him most blindly, see, also, that instead
of profting by his service they have
been serving him, and paying him an
immense price for the privilege:
It is this clearing of the public vision
which insures the speedy following OF
Conkling's exit by that of the whole
brood Of "bosses." Witnessing Conk-
| lings dethronement, the Pennsylvania
Republicans will ask themselves, with a
self-contempt they never felt before,
why they belittle themselves by serving
"boss" like Cameron and the party
in Illinois will repeat the query, substi-
tuting the name of Logan. The doom
of these "bosses," of whatever party,
is sealed. The "spoils" system has
not yet reached its death blow, and may
not for many months or years. But the
people of neither party will consen
hereafter to award the honors of leader
ship, the patent of craftsmanship, O.
the position of "boss," to mere dis
rributor of "spoils. ;"