Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-08-08
Political Education.

Editor Republican: Is not education
for the betterment of our condition? We
go to school in our childhood and begin
with the primary branches; these lead to
higher grades, and when we pass through
them successfully, we are prepared to be-
sin the battle of life Now, in our polit
ical education, we are expected to take
the same preparatory steps. We have
the political history of the country before
US. We must study it, sitting the wheat
from the chat, retaining what is good and
beneficial, and casting away the bad, as
pro6tless and unworthy our attention.
How many look into this matter with that
keen earnestness it so much deserves?
Unfortunately we find large numbers ar
rying themselves on the side of party, lit
tie needing the past, present or future
policy of that party. We are on the eve
of great political struggle, one fraught
in a large measure with much good or
evil for our common country. Now is
the appointed time for man to put into
practice the principles of political edu-
cation so essential for the proper govern
ment of our country. Every man is
law-maker, and in so far as the laws may
be good or bad, in proportion as they may
be properly or improperly administered,
is responsible to the extent of his individ-
ual action. The prudent merchant, man.
ufacturer or farmer makes it point to
look after the details of his business, not
trusting to incompetent and unskillful
help, and in all the various stages Of bis
work ever has watchful eye, seeing that
his plans are carried forward in a bust
ness-like manner, that he may accomplish
the best results from the small beginnings,
and thus be properly reD1unerated for the
labor of his brain, his muscle or his capt.
tai The same principle applies in polit-
ical affairs. Men should attend the pri-
mar;es and see that none but reliable men
are sent to represent them in the higher
branches-the state Or national conven-
tions. Here it is where men are selected
to preside over the destinies of our cOun-
try, where policies are enunciated to gov
ern these, our head overseers. Whoever
is selected must plant himself square
ly on the platform of principles adopted;
hence the great necessity that these prin-
ciples should be for ourinterests. In this
manner we 60 through the various stages
of our political education, and when we
have reached the higher branches
which shape the destines of our country
we must devote unusual care and study
to the subject. We must sift the good
from the bad We must not allow blind
adhesion to party to obscure our judgment,
but in all calmness investigate for our
selves, and when we have deliberately ar
rived at conclusion, after proper investi-
cation, we should 90 to the polls and cast
our ballot for that party best representing
our interests. He who votes against his
own interests is not fit for American citi-
zenship. Proper application of the les
sons of the past to the political complica
tons of the present is an absolute neces-
sity. The Democratic party is represented
in platform of principles that have been
heretofore demonstrated 10 be pernicious.
Free trade is the acme of Democratic am
bition. Here is where the student of po-
litical history can go back and investigate
with profit. Free trade is like the poison
ed arrow-desth from its touch. With
free trade we will have poverty stalking
through the land Free trade is not an
experiment. We were heretofore afflicted
with the scourge, and who will deny it
annihilated our industries. Certainly
not the careful student. The Republican
party to-day is in the van of progression,
remembering the holocast of the past and
the benefits arising out of the increased
protection since 1861, reaGrm the i'm