Omaha daily bee., 1884-09-08

The democracy OF Nebraska, for al
most the first time in its history, is in a
position to render an important service
to the people of this state. The nomina'
tions made by the republican party tor
state officers do not commend themselves
to the rank and file of that party as en-.
titled to their support. The revolt
against the debasing methods employed
by corporation bosses is very general
within the republican party, and if the
democracy has the wisdom and the cour-
age to unite with the anti-monopolists
in the nomination of ticket
which commands popular confidence
an effective rebuke will be administered
to disreputable party leaders and the
state government will be placed in safe
hands for the next two years. The
golden opportunity which now presents
itself will, however, be lost if the demo-
cratic party refuses to respond to the
sentiment which was 30 emphatically ex-
pressed in the elections of 1882 and 1883.
Two years ago II, 900 votes were cast for
the anti-monopoly ticket and it is safe to
say that fully five-siAths of the anti mo
nopolists were formerly republicans.
These men revolted against corporation
bossism, and they braved all the batteries
of calumny and abuse in
upholding their principles. They
did not oppose republican candi-
dates because they were republicans, but
because they were monopolists. 1t is
folly to invite these men to unite with
the democrats in support of any candi-
date whose past record has been that of
a monopolist. There can be no success
full union of the elements opposed to
James w. Dawes and other obnoxious
candidates upon any ticket headed by a
monopolist or one whose career has been
identified with monopolists.
Now j. Sterling Morton is man of
splendid abilities, and he would undoubt
edly grace the governors chair or any
other Office within the gift of
the people of Nebraska, but
Mr.. Morton has no natural affinity
with anti-monopoly principles 30 far as
they apply to the regulation of railroads.
His honest sentiments were expressed
time and again through the columns of
the Chicago Times and the Omaha
Perald. Whether his relations with the
Burlington are broken off or still exist is
immaterial. He cannot convince the
people Of Nebraska that the
change of heart on this vital issue of
anti-monopoly is sincere. 1t would be
impossible for any true anti-monopolist
to champion his election excepting as
last resort. His defeat, even if he were
endorsed by the anti-monopoly
convention throughsome dicker, would be
aforegone conclusion. and he would carry
the whole ticket with him. 1t would be
repetition of the Beach III Hinman cam
paipn of last year. Mr.. Morton may not
realize his own weakness as an anti-mo-
nopolist, but we admonish his friends and
admirers to reflect before they plunge
their party into another foolhardy cam
paign. The figures of two years ago
should be sufficient. In 1880, when the
total vote of Nebraska was S7,345,
Thomas w. Upton, democratic candidate
for governor, received 90, 1G7 votes. In
1882, when the aggregate vote of
the state was 89,06S; J.. Sterling
Morton received 28,5G2 votes, or
355 more than Upton. 1t will be
remembered that Morton made a brilliant
canvas of the state. There was no per
sonal or political war waged against him
as there would have teen had there been
any probability of his election. If he
were nominated this year on fusion
ticket, he would be bombarded by 100
papers and fifty speakers. Instead of
an aggressive campaign against public
wrongs and personal corruption and in
competency on the republican ticket, it
would be defensive campaign to
explain away Mortons monopoly
utterances and personal connections
with the railroads in the past The out
come can be easily foretold. The BEE is
not a democratic paper, and does not
propose to dictate to democratic conven-
tions. Its only aim and object at this
time is to exert its influence in bahalf
of an honest and vigorous administration
of our state affairs and the selection of
legislators who will carry out the letter
and spirit of the state constitution with
regard to corporations and public carriers.
If the opposition can unite on men whose
past career affords guaranty that these
objects will be carried out in
good faith the BEE will give
them it's earnest support. If the
democrats commit the objectionable
blunder of putting in the field candidates
whom we cannot consistently recommend
The BEE must decline to become decoy
for that large class of voters who have
in the past relied upon its advice in
political affairs as safe and sound.
"SEE" MN IlfJfEDIA TEL Y.
The republican state convention paid a