The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-11-10

II Is not TO DO denied that the political
campaign In tho states has gone ovcrwhclm-
ingly against the Republicans. A defeat
was not unexpected; neither was II expect
ed that Ii would assume the proportions II
has. The fact of this being an "of year.,
and Republicans therefore apathetic will not
account for IL. II Is not due to the Demo
Gratis having espoused and advocated any
great principle that rallied men to their
standards. There 10 no great issue between
the Republican and Democratic parties and
there has not been for years. The Demo.
cratic party 10 simply negative combina-
tlon Of everything opposed to Republican
ism. Although often fighting Republican
principles 1t has accepted them: although
often fighting Republicans II Ihas elected
them. Therefore, although we admit Re-
publican defeat we do not concede Demo.
cratic victory. The Republican party sprang
into magnificent existence because Ii had
great and worthy principles, the courage OF
opinion and brought Its colors nobly to the
front during time when the nation had
reused itself from the lethargy Of old afilis-
tions and sat In stern, patriotic judgment to
determine upon every principle Of govern
4ment tina. affected Its welfare. As..long ss
there were any to dispute or combat either
on field or forum those the Republican
party had espoused, 1t grew In strength and
gate principles, when those 1t had advanced
had become parts Of the laws and constitu-
ton and were undisputed, the highest mis-
sion of the Republican party was fulfilled
and its very power became an element Of
weakness. There were too many DESTROYS
Republicans for the number Of
Offices to be filed. vs. could |
stand Oft the Democrats at the polls |
and be happy; but we could net stand |
of each other and be content when II came |
to apportioning our commissions. This de-
veloped combinations within the par
ty with influential leaders depomin-
ated "bosses," who have carried things
pretty much their own way for years. With
all their shrewdness they were unable to
provide for all and harmonic persons and
factions who desired to get "in'' and there
has been revolt. The "bosses" who are "out"
and want ain" are no better and would do
no better than those already there, but they
have determined to get In or break up the
and after years of preparation
have made general assault all along the
line with disastrous results. This, we be-
lieve, Is the occasion of the recent alliance
of so-called Independents and Democratic,
and the former have chosen m "of year"
when It would do the least harm to the party
with the object of capturing some offices and
forcing the bosses TO compromise before
the presidential election. 1t Is true there 10
an Independent element In some States,
that Is entitled to, In fac. commands, respect.
1t Is an element that asks no Offices and will |
accept none; that holds itself In reserve as
q great intelligent balance of power, and
votes conscientisusly, but this is not the ele-
ment that elected Ben Butler and defeated |
General Beaver. Politics have become q |
matter Of business and thrift with too many |
people In the United States. Nine men out |
of ten who hold Office would be better and |
better of If they had never entered politics,
but the idea seems to be growing among |
young men that their first daty Is TO get an
Office, and among old men, that their last |
duty is to hold on 10 the one they have. 1t
were better II there were less of this feeling, |
and II there had been we would not read to-
day of the wholesale abandonment Of party |
affiliations, simply because the Office stufiing
machine was not run TO suit the ''outs." And |
this we believe to have been the sole cause Of |
the disaster.