Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1886-02-05
RUMORs OF A SPLIT.

There are rumors OF a split in the
Peoples party in this city on account OF
the municipal ticket that has been placed
in the field. The great objection to that
ticket is the name of Alfred Solomon.
That there is great dissatisfaction in the
ranks of the Peoples party we know, and
we heard one gentleman, a home mis-
sionary, say that he would not vote for
Soloman, and that as he seemed SO emil
nently well fitted to act the part
of a spotter, he thought he
should be kept at the business.
There has also been a great deal
OF talk about getting up new ticket,
substantially Peoples party ticket, to
beat, or at least lessen the strength of,
the regular ticket. The Ne,cs itself seems
apprehensive that this will be done, and
OF course the News thinks such proceed
ing unwise. It is from the Ne,ps point
of view, but from the point of view Of
those who desire a speedy and peaceful
solution Of the Utah question, it is very
hopeful sign. The Peoples party has
long been unit in all things, and the
voice of discomfort within its ranks has
always been hushed as soon as
heard. This has been done by
the use of ecclesiastical influence
usually, and when man has kicked poll
tically and has not ceased at the word OF
command and has kept up his kicking,
he has generally, in fact it may be said
that he has always, ceased to belong to
the church which rules the Peoples
party. This fact is known to none better
than to the Neps. 1t says, "there
should be no division; only harm could
result from it," Every such division is
a weakening OF the strength of the
church, and it is the strength and domi-
nation Of the church in Utah that has
caused the great trouble in Utah. Ii a
preservation of the uniono Church and
State in Utah is desirable, and it cer-
tainly is from the standpoint OF the News,
then the division which the Nevs de-
precates can produce no good re-
suit; "only harm could result from it,"
The position of the Peoples party is
unique in the annals of politics. 1t is the
only political party that ever grew up in
the United States whose members are all
OF one religious faith, and when they
cease to hold that religious faith they
cease to hold the political doctrines OF
the Peoples party. There is but one
rational explanation for this anomaly.
1t is explained by saying that the Church
and State are one and inseparable in
Utah. The Peoples party and the Nor
mon church will deny this but it remains
the truth just the same. The Neps says,
SIT is simple prudence on o,.r part never
to become divided. In these times the
vote OF every citizen should be cast, and
the Peoples party should come out in its
powers. There should be no vacillation and
no hating between two opinions. Every
man and woman that can lawfully use
the ballot, should go to the polls
and vote the Peoples ticket, and
for its regularly nominated candidates. +"
There should be no halting between two
opinions, says the News, and this is true
but if the stronger and better opinion
We're against the regularly nominated
candidates of the Peoples party, would
the Ne,Us advise those OF its party who
held such opinions to follow them out +?
1t scarcely would. Fidelity to party for
the mere sake of fidelity to party is poor
policy; is pernicious. Men should give
their adherence to a political party only
so long as it represents certain line OF
policy based upon well-defined ideas. and
when party forsakes these, it should be
forsaken. Party is means, not an end.
We hope there will be split in the Peo-
ple's party, and that those who are dis
gusted with the men and methods OF that
party will assert their rights and run n
ticket of their own.