The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-03
MONTANA POLITICS.
An Old Salt Laker in the Boss Bust

HELENA, Mont, Nov. 29-[Special CORE
spondence of The HERALD "A dual legis-
lature is the result of the recent election
in Montana. 1t results from system of
knavery and fraud which would parallel
the election outrages Of Louisiana and
South Carolina in 1876. The Democratic
party have faced the crisis with determl-
nation and resolution which even the as
tuteness of the Republican managers can
not overcome. There will be no surren-
der, and as the Republicans cannot retrace
their steps without stultifying themselves,
the outlook for legislation is gloomy. The
new machinery of the state cannot be set
in motion without legislation. Appropria
tions must be made for the support of pris
oners, insane, the courts, and in short, for
all the qualifications of complete govern
ment A failure to organize the leglsla-
ture means su spension of government,
which misfortune brings in its train dis
order, lawlessness and a general paralysis
of business and immigration. The pros
pect of a compromise seems dlSmally
small. The inordinate ambition of Sena
torial candidates on both sides renders an
equitable settlement of the trouble out of
question. If the Senate should organize
there would be two sets of Senators sent
to Washington. The Democrats would
then have the advantage, as they would
bear with them a certificate from the gov
ernor, which would be held prima facie evil
dence of the legality of the Democratic leg
lature.
AT the bottom of this trouble is one
Henry Bernard, who, by the way, will be
remembered in Salt Lake city in the OBJ
scure capacity of a job printer some six or
seven years ago. He worked on The
HERALD and at the old Times office under
Robert Sleater. Those who came in con-
tact with Bernard at that time are fully
aware he was not only printer but man
of extraordinary intellect and of no little
refinement. His frame contained one Of
those quiet, impetuous souls-meek and
gentle in misfortune, but ready to rise and
lead at all hazards upon the slightest pros
pect of success. He has been an enigma to
his most intimate friends. Bernard has
had most checkered career. He has car
ried off the BAG calaure ate honors of the uni
versity and has occupied murderer's cell.
From the printers case in THE HERALD
office he has risen to be commanding
power in Montana politics. The Repub
lican party IS virtually in his vest pocket, |
and he makes and unmakes men and offices
with the same facility that he slung type
in Salt Lake city. Among prominent Re
publicanS It is well known he managed the
last campaign, although Seligman, YER
table numskull, was the nominal chairman
of the state committee. The legislature
would have been Democratic beyond ques-
ton but for the chicanery and unprincipled
management of this man Bernard who is
seeking to overthrow the expressed wish of
the people by resort TO technicallt.es
and the vicious hair splitting system of
politics. Atpresent he commands the Re-
publican legislators who hang together for
him as if they were his servants instead of
those of the p, o1le.
Governor Joseph X. Tooles, who was the
only Democrat elected on the state ticket,
has proven himself an able and fearless eX-
executive. He has met the Republican
conspirators with tact and holiness
which have driven them back in confusion.
His proclamation recognizing the five Dem
ocratic members from Silver Bow has put
the Republicans on the defensive. The
Democrats literally and practically hold the
fort, and under the governors wise leader
ship are sanguine of success. The people
and press are clamorous for an early set
Element as they deem the welfare of the
new state above petty party ambition, and
it will be well for that party which needs
the voice of the people. NJ. E. G.