Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-06-11

"k "f hsdIlos.
The next stirring Of the great deeps
OF the American heart-the next great
reoeiiIcn-is destined to be social oue."
50 writes q contributor to the San Fngs-
essean. IL will, he thinks. come and be
ended before the expiration of the pres
eut century. IL ID 10 be a contest between
the people and the corporations for the
control OF the government: or, rather a
struggle OF the former to retain the right
OF self government against the efforts of
tie latter 10 osurp control of all govern
mental functions There Is no mistak-
ing the Indications The conflict 10 ss
irrepre sssble as was that between free
dom and slavery. 1t involves even
greater peril TO the existence of repub-
loan institutions in America The last
score of years has developed gigantic
changes In the conditions and relations
OF corporations to the United States.
During that time the whole trarsporta-
ton service OF people numbering sixty
million has been practically consolidat-
sd, and Is now controlled BY less than a
score OF men, Enormous fortunes have
been acquired by enforced levy Of trib-
ute from the people, and power 10 collect
such tax at will is claimed and exercised
all over the land. The power of these
vast corporate associations is not alone
confined TO trade, to transportation, to
Ievying tribute upon producer and CON-
sumner. Were that the measure of the
evil, is would be easy Of remedy. IL
10 extended into other fields, wherein
the people claim, under our system of
government, supreme dominion - SOW
ereiRnty. Ii assumes not only control
of the products of the nation, its CON-
merce, Its trade, but Its law making,
lts law-eIecuting and law-interpretine
functions.
This. We say, is the danger to the
government; this is TO be the cause of
the certain conflict which will come be-
tween the people and she corporations,
and which will end either in victory
for the former or the destruction of
self government in America. Candid.
thoughtful men all over the country
are discussing the situation, deploripR
the evil and sndeavorina to suggest a
remedy at once peaceful and efhcaoious.
One can hardly take mp q prominent
review or magazine in which the strained
relations between the people and the
railroad, telegraph and other corporate
monopolies are not made the subject
of analysis and earnest thought. This.
OF itself, evidences the intense concern |
which exists; for it will always be |
found that in these publications topics |
OF the greatest public interest are given |
most prominence.
The great peril impending is, as We
have said. the assaults made by these |
upon the sovereignty OF |
the people,. O., apon their right and |
power to govern. The attack is made |
In various ways. Ii may be noted by
any observer. 1t extends even to the |
most trivial contests In local politics.
1t appears at party primaries; is mani
fest at conventions, from county to ma
tional; Is seen in every election, from
that Of an assessor, assembjyman or
county commissioner to that of Con-
gresham, Senator or President. 1t
invades the courts and strikes down
with mailed baud, or with the velvet
covered one OF bribery, the scales in
which the public rights are weighed.
This influence, this menace Of corporate
control OF the functions of government.
is all pervading. 1t is living, moving,
vigorous entity everywhere recognized,
feared, everywhere exert
ing baleful and corruptinR influence
uron the character of legislation, the
purity of the judiciary, the integrity of
The administration and the morals of
he community.
Under existing circumstances, unless
by united popular effort, OR
porate entertainments upon popular
will continue. 1t can
not be otherwise. Corporations today
large part of the talent
Df the natien. Their money employs
The best brains and effort, executive,
legal, technical and practical. The ser
vice of corporations, especially those
Engaged IN transportation, is remunera-
live They furnish steady employment
At good salaries. Those paid to sheir
most responsible and capable men are
Prlncely. They are. moreover, conduct
ed upon the principle that no man Can
serve two masters" They demand full
allegiance FROM their officers and em-
ployees, from highest to lowest. No
liberty of thought or action which con
tiicts with the assumptions of the en-
ploying corporation is tolerated in its
employees. They must serve its inter-
ests in all respects. While allowing
freedom of political opinion in all mat
scto hot uAcCttN AueCtiuR tnelI Inter
ests. the corporations of the country
are everywhere strenuous in insisting
that at elections, as elsewhere, their
views and candidates shall be sup
ported by the men in their employ.
Sometimes they fail, but still the doc
trins Is asserted, and, 50 far as possible, |
enforced.
We regard this az the greatest peril |
that has thus far threatened this gov
eminent. Ii strikes at the foundation |
of the structure. Beginning at the pri- |
mary, the ground floor of self govern |
mont, it asesnds through every grade to |
the highest officers. controlling some, |
influencing all. The remedy is with the |
people; from them must come the effort
to assert their Independence of monop-
oily control. Its success, as We conceive,
rests mainly upon intelligent, persistent
opposition to control of politics and
party organizations by corpora tons; in
insisting that representatives, of the
people be so in ftct AZ we'll AZ IN name,
and in vigorously holding such to per-
sonal responsibility for breach Of faith.
Make It unsafe for Q public officer to
betray the people. either by vote or act.
There are enough honest men for ali
the offices. There il sufficient rope for
all the rascals, remedy which should
be, when necessary, literally in the
hands of the people.