St. Paul daily globe., 1888-08-12
Bosses and B0ssism Elaborated Upon
by Correspondent in Ethical
Style.
Material for Chairman of the State Com
mittee---0ne Name Sug-
gested.
Communicated

OF great mass of people. THESE
thoaghts are suggested by the
peculiar condition of affairs in the Dem
Ocratlc party in Minnesota. AS the
party is about to embark upon a cam
paign fraught with greater Importance
than any in its previous history, 1t is
we'll to calmly review and consider
few of the most important matters to
arise before the coming convention.
~
For number of years, it appears that
the party has been hopeleSSly i'll the
minority in the state. During that time
there has been little occasion among its
scattered and disunited votaries for an
uprising amounting to Self-assertiOn
of will. AS it were, the party has been
i'll swaddling clothes and has gracefully
submitted to dictationS from hitherto
recognized leaders, if not in fact,
bosses, whose promulgations have to be
acceded to because it mattered little.
AS a state organization, the party ex-
listed as matter of form, with little, if
any, hope of success. But since the
dOminancy of the national Democratic
party, and the wonderful growth of the
state in population, the great apprecla-
ton of Democratic voters, many OF
whom are young, ambitious and aSplr-
ing men, there has grown up a nat
ural opposition to submission to the
voice of a few, when the interest of so
many has become involved in party
matters. Under the former system it is
not strange that that which is now de-
nominated 'bOSSiSm" should have
arisen and flourished; nor is it surpris-
ing that under the present conditions
all opposition should arise against it.
There are, therefore, two sides to the
question, as is usual in all political mat
tiers, and fairness and justice, as well as
policy, demand that due consideration
should be given to both.
~
If the premises are correct, P. II.
Kelly and M. Doran are not Self-cOnsti-
tuted, but rather chosen bosses. Hav-
ing for so long time submitted to it, it
is to be expected from common expert
ence that they should reluctantly sur
render to a deposition of power, es-
pecially where it appears an assault is
directly made upon them with that end
in view. 1t is likewise natural under
the spirit of our people that opposition
show grow against them, and assert
itself. This, then, is the position of the
Democracy of Minnesota: On one side
are the tribuneS asserting their rights
to continue. in power, Oh the other is
the citizens demanding a change of
leaders.
The question is, should change be
made?"
The success of the party being the
ultimate aim change seems necessary.
The cry comes from Macedonia. If the
reported accounts of the proceedings in
the several counties of the state are
correct indications of the sentiment of
nnmnarafIa l,n
little doubt but change will be made;
and it is right that a change should be
made, though there was not strong
demand urged. Even a moderate dis
satisfaction would juatify it so long as
it is possible to secure unifcatiOn
of the party by making the change.
And in this view it is as Sincumbentupon
Mr.. Doran and Mr.. Kelly to unite in
the proposal as it is upon every member
of the party. The party does not exist
that they, or either of them, may obtain
opportunity to WELD influence or ac-
quire distinction, but that the people
by uniting in it and asserting their will
may acquire good government. In
the latter desideratiOn they stand upon
equal footing with every other man. and
is it appears that they or either of them
are in the way leading to that end it
becomes their duty to step gracefully
aside and submit to that course which
would at least appear to afford an easier
way to success.
Mr.. Doran cannot consistently accept
the position of the state chairmanshin.
Being the member of the national cen
tral committee, his proportion of honOrs
is fully paid, and it would be step to-
wards political tyranny for him to indi-
cate desire to occupy the former place
in conjunction with the latter.
Mr.. Kelly cannot consistently ask for
the place. Such a step would be an in
vitation to promote party discord, ana,
if granted him, would involve the cam
paign with load of discontented, dis
gruntled and dissatisfied party workers
who would not be comfOrted. 1t is the
common belief, and whether well
founded or not, the effect is
faithful to the last nominee
of the party. If there were not some
ground for the charge there would
hardly be such an assertion, and though
entirely false, it would be impossible to
convince the people that Mr. Kelly had
not more interest in the effect of the
election upon his private affairs than in
the victory of his party. Of Mr.. Doran
it is conceded that he is the highest
type of political integrity, always faith
full and true to his party, but for the
reasons stated he can not be chairman
of the state committee. Whether mis-
represented or truthfully charged, Mr..
Kelly has not that abiding confidence in
his fellow partisans which would justify
his selection for the position. Z
1t therefore follows a change will be
made. But who will be the man?
In deciding this question several
things are requisite of consideration.
First of all, he should be a man whose
soul is in the cause of his party from
love of principle.
Second-He should be man of en-
ergy and determination, capable of en-
durance and fatigue, and spirited to
fight, though defeat stared him uner-
ringly in the face.
Third-He should be man of iudg-
ment and standing, in whom the respect
| and confidence of all classes of men
| may rest.
Fourth-He should be entirely free
from alliances and entanglements cal
| culated to create diStrustS and Jealous
| les among the workers of the party.
Fifth-He should be man who is
willing to abandon his avocation during
the campaign and devote his entire
| time and energies to the success of his
party.
In addition to these qualifications
there are many things he should not be:
FirSt-He should not be pauper.
Second-He shonld not be stingy.
Third-He should not be proud, nor
easily affected, nor naughty, nor
arrogant.
Fourth-He should not be an old man.
nor without experience as cam
paigner.
*x*
In looking over the Democratic pha-
| lanX as it marches Oht upon the field