The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1882-09-23
corrsspondsnes Baifinors Couny Union.
LEADERSHIP AND BossIsM.

MssWs. Editors We have looked forward 10
the assembling ofths County Executive Committee
with interest, yet with grave appreciation. Our
fear has been realised ~ the baieful shadow Of
figure, which has caused much trouble In the past,
was east over the meeting. heralding disunion and
defeat for the Republicans Of the county in the
future.
The ASPIRATIONS Of any person 10 become the
leader Of 4 party meet our hearty approval. The
desire to the public and guide lis destinies
Is . worthy ambition, and we cannot condemn
those who having borne the heat and burthen Of
the fray should wish 10 reap some Of the emolu-
ments the party may have the power 10 bestow.-
The people instinctivsly recognize their leaders
and when they End In their ranks one inspired by
pure motives and capable Of advancing their pFin.
eiples they are always ready 10 place him ut their
head to direct and guide them onward. This IL
Leadership. IL was this spontaneous feeling in
the public mind that these were true leaders which
placed at their head Clay and Jackson, Lincoln
aud Garfield.
On the other hand We find In the ranks Of either
party men inspired by no high principle. distrust-
cd by the public aud consulting only their own
selfish desire for power. thrusting themselves be.
tween the people and their aims, who BY packing
primaries and conventions seek TO crafty their
lust Of rule aud grasp the emolumeuts Of Office.
even by the disruption Of the party. Its success
Il secondary consideration unless coupled with
their advancement.
This 10 bossism pure and simple, and 20 sustain
ts purpose Il will foster the very worst traits In
It's followers. Good men are thus driven away
from the party lend II but feeble support, and
once securely seated In the saddle. with the party
machinery In their hands. Il becomes difficult 10
unhorse these bosses except after . struggle as
deadly In It's character as that going on In
some Of the Republican States.
Ere II l. too late we would warn our people
against being thus made the instruments Of their
~ . h.
leader characterized by the worst features Of boss.
ism. Selfish In purpose. interruptions In means.
politically corrupt and corrupting. untiring. his
hand will not be stayed until he gathers = eonven-
ton ready 10 register his edict and nominate for
osiee those whom be itnsgines will become plan,
tools to aid his future advancement. His list Of
candidates. We understand. 10 prepared and IL 10
expected that by tho aid of party machinery the
Republicans Of Baltimore county will be compelled
To register the ediets of their wouid-b be master.
What has there been in the past career Of thi.
gentleman 60 induce u TO place ourselves in his
power? Are his aspirationst 20 leadership sustain.
eli by qualities Of mind or high principle, Il hi.
name linked with single measure Of public ben.
eft Are not all his appeals for support based
on thepromisei spoiaiion Of his own party? Has
there been administration at Washington Al
whose feet he ha. not knelt and solicited Office
Or has he ever hesi,atcd TO ally himself with the
common enemy to effect his purpose
One thus characterized by all the worst feature.
% Gorman. without his astuiensss, should not be
permitted 10 grasp unehaliensed the Leadership Of
the Baltimore county Republicans and render the
party subservicnt 20 his purposes. We protest
against following one 90 devoid Of all qualities
which should characterize leader. and nov. uhen
entire States are striving 20 free thcms selves from
boss rule and even the Democrats Of our county
are struggling for freedom. NC hope our people
will take warning and refuse to bend their neck
60 its yoke. II.