The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-04-13
Disgraoed Leadership,


the party whip in the chamber in which
he occupies seat, and Haunted the black
flag in the faces of honest Legislators at
the dctation of gigantic corporations
and grinding monopolies, that it ap-
pears impossible for him to realize that
he is no longer the leader whose name
alone is sufficient TO bring victory to
any cause he may espouse. For quar-
ter of century the great state of Penn
sylvania has been bound hand and foot
through its legislature that was owned
by the great corporations. The wrongs
suffered by the people found expression
in the 18th article of the constitution
OF 1873. The Republican party, which
had controlled the government for fit
teen years prior to its adoption, has
continued in the ascendercy since. BY
its reckless subserviency to corporate
power and monopoly, under the leader
ship of Cameron, Quay and Cooper,
however, it has lost its influence both
in the executive and legislative branch
es of the state government.
A Democratic Governor and assem-
bly, and senate controlled by Demo
Gratis and honest Republicans who re-
fuse to acknowledge fealty to any pow
er except the honestly expressed will of
the people is the answer to this state of
affairs. The recent discussion on the
free pipe and free pass bills has demon
strated that the stalwart cry of reform
is but hollow sound to deceive the
people. So long as the stalwart leader
ship remains unchanged, there can be
no harmony in the party and while
Stewart, Lee, Emery, McFarlane, Ag
new and Longeuecker remain within
the lines peace will only be at the price
of stalwart surrender. The dictatorial
manner of the leadership has compelled
aspiring Republicans TO lay aside their
manhood, integrity and devotion to
principle or sacrifice all hopes of ad-
vancement.
Through these stalwart leaders and
because of their power monopolies have,
during all these years, tauuted the peo-
Pile and trified with the constitution
Two years ago Senators Stewart, Lee
Hall and others led the forlorn hope OF
reform on the floor of the senate to re-
ceive contumely as their reward. They
carried their cause to the people and
appealing to that tribunal, which al
ways means right, they triumphed. The
faithless party and Its corrupt leader
ship was rebuked. But their power haG
been SO long continued and so insolen
that the discredited leaders refused tC
read Alright the signs of the times
Through their leaders, once powerful
but now weak, these monopolles agaiI
opposed, as they had previously done
any free pipe bill. The result is bill
that may be too severe, the provisions
of which may cripple other concerns
than the offending corporation. In this
there is a lesson for the corporations
In arraying themselves against the evi
dent will of the people they endange
interests that are otherwise secure. Tn,
people must be obeyed. They are slow
to wrath but terrible in vengeance. lie
all corporate interests recognize th'
laws of the state and accept those pro
visions of the constitution which are de
signed for the peoples safety. Reason
able Legislation to enforce its provisions
resisted for selfish ends, provokes radi
cal measures. Let it be understood tina
corporations and politics must be man
aged under the same code of morals :ha
makes a man successful socially or il
business or that failure to meet thes'
conditions will entail defeat,-PdtriOt