Middletown transcript., 1888-09-13

FACrONALIsTIC tendencies in any
party are demoralizing, developing as
they invariably do, if not crushed in
their incipiency, differences. between
men who should stand shoulder to
shoulder in support Of principles, of
much graver nature, than the more
natural ones existing between parties.
Parties are seldom wholly in the right.
Factions are generally entirely wrong.
To prevent argument, we admit excep-
tions, while challenging the presenta-
tion of many.
The difference of opinion be-
tween parties leads almost always
to a better understanding Of dis
puted questions, and leaves the dispu-
tants even if not convinced, at least in
an attitude Of respectful enmity.
Factionists differ on more personal
questions, usually of place, patronage,
and power, and after strife Of this
nature an insolent triumph marks the
bearing ofthe successful faction, and
a sullen vengefulness their opponents.
1t may be assumed from our language
that what are known in political par
lance as primaries, are inimical to the
success Of party, but we hold no such
extreme views; right ly conducted, they
subserve to the best interest of the
people in that by giving to each voter
the privilege Of voicing in the selection
of his chosen representatives, his senti-
ments as to how he wishes to be ruled
Then also the purely Democratic idea
OF government Of and by the people
is maintained, and the self Importance
of the citizen legitimately catered to.
Somuch for theory. Without citation
of precedents to show the utter aband-
onment of such principles, when faction
runs riot in party, we will point only
to our own nomination of Saturday
last, and ask the intelligent Democrat
the simple question, is it not time for
reform. The old time idea Of several
candidates, striving honorably for the
privilege Of sitting in the legislative
hall of their native state, was not
present. The contest was narrowed down
to mad race for a chance to. vote for
a United States Senator who should
the interests of Delaware in
the highest legislative body in our
land, but who should do it in the in
terests Of that faction who placed him
there to the political discontinue Of the
rest of the party. Such is factiopalism
in st. Georges Hundred; such the pro-
gress of government in the 10Th
century.
There is funny side to all this
too. The way the campaign is now
conducted all sorts of stories are circu-
lated as to unfitness in the opposing can
didates. One says this man is not the
one to vote for because his uncle is
President of the x. Y. Raj ilroad and
we don't want one family to have all
.he Offices. Yes but says his neighbor.
)ut your man is named Smith, and I
nave heard there are too many Smiths
n power now. But, says the other,
lour candidate has been running for
even different Offices in the last two
'ears, does he want the earthp OF
course not says the other he only wants
Delaware, do you call that the earth
And so it goes. No thought is given
o the duties to be performed, only to
,eat the other man. Without going
urther into this matter of faction at
his time we think we may venture to
ok the legislative nominees of Satur-
ay, throughout the county, If after
be Senatorial question is settled,
whether they propose to work for the
My safeguard, against future occur
noes Of the evil of factionalism, a new
onstitution. The fisherman Of I
.ong Island and THE MIDDLETowN
in the name of the DEM
cratic Party unite in demanding their