Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1888-04-18
POLITICAL PARTiSANS.
Some COmmOn-Sense Comments CT Par.
= tisan and Partisanslip.

some COmmOn-SeDse Comments CT Par.
tisan and Partisansllip.
In all governments where the pco.
pie have a voice in the direction of af-
fairs there are bound to be at least
two parties, the members of the one,
no less than those of the other, actu-
ated by laudable desire to advance
their country's interests. They may
differ on questions of policy and in re-
gard 20 the methods by which the
public good can best be secured; but
there is not and never can be be tween
them any difference as to their ulti-
mate purposes and hopes, since both
have at heart the common good of
common country. He is narrow
minded and illiber al, indeed, who will
not concede to his opponents honesty
of purpose and sincerity Of conviction.
however much he may be opposed to
their policy.
That there will always be two parties
is fact that is self-evident. for the
idea of POLITICAL millennium, when all
shall be of one mind, is but the
impractical dream of a visionary
whose thoughts are altogether Uto-
plan. More than this, it is most ex-
eelcnt thing for the country that its
citizens are divided into parties.
What the O'ympian games were in
determining the athletic supremacy Of
the ancients. the contests of parties
are in improving the popularity of the
political champions of the day. Each
party is continually placed upon its
good behavior. When in power it
endeavors to win the confidence that
shall insure Its remaining so; when
out of power, it strives to draw around
its banner all influence that will place
it at the head of affairs.
So much for parties; now for the
partisans and partisanship. How oft
we hear the term bipartisan" applied
to man, the tone employed being
censorious, as though parlisanship
were something to be decried. when.
on the contrary, in its best and trucst
sense. to be a partisan IS to be good
citizen. All citizens who appreciate
the duties and responsibilities Of ci'i-
zenship will be found in the ranks of
some of the political parties. knowing
that it is concerted. collected action
that can alone make itself felt. The
free lances. those which belong to no
party. yield allegiance to none. and,
in fact. do not believe in parties. are of
but little account in politics, SO far as
affecting results is concerned. Indi-
vidual independence is an excellent
thing in its way, and is by no means
discouraged When man finds him.
self not in harmony with the party
which has hitherto possessed his in
huence and his vote, it is his duty to
that party and to himself 10 break the
bond of uncongcnial and insincere as
ISOLATION. His duty to himself de-
mands this, that he may have the con-
Seriousness of following the dictates Of
conviction. rather than of indulgng
in dishonest qualification. His duty
to his party demands his withdrawal,
as his half-hear, ed and insincere sup
port is worse than his opposition.
However, he still remains partisan,
though of another party, and as
partisan he still emphasizes his regard
for the duties and obligations of citi-
ztnship.
In conclusion. it may be said that
partisanship is but another name for
patriotism, and SO long as it is the
outgrowth Of intelligence, and is
governed by a proper spirit, just so
long will it continue ito be badge of
honor to man. rather than stigma
of reproach. Any man who sincerely
believes in his party and its policy is
necessarily a partisan, and should be
proud of being so. Let ward jlSglers
twist the term as they may, it will still
always convey to the thinking, ration
al mind the Significance that properly
belongs to it, for without partisanship
there can be no such things as politics,
no competition for the honor of con-
IT, butins to the highest and fullest
advancement of the coun,ry's interest.
boston Budget.
READY-MADE CLOTHING.