Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-07-11
DOODLE tH POLITICS.


Coming on the heels of the election
Of that multi-millionsire railroad
man, Calvin S. Brice. as the chairman
OF the Democratic National Commit
tee. this statement of the political sit
nation by the New York World is
amusing:
The Republican party has passed completely
under control OF the money power II is the
mission Of the Democratic party TO oppose and
N the name of the people 70 conquer the old
enemy OF liberty IN its new form
just what the money power" ls we
DO rot know; nor do We care. particu-
larly There are many millionaires
In public life. They are prominent in
TIE Cabinet, the Congress and the
councils OF both the great parties.
Some have risen by reason OF brains
and energy, while others owe their
elevation TO the sheer force Of Doodle
mechanically applied.
We prefer to judge the case Of every
wealthy man in public life apart by
itself We have no prejudice against
the millionaire. He is as much en-
titled to fair and Just treatment az is
the poor man. 1t is no great trick to
engender prejudice against the rich.
The demagogue is fully aware OF the
popular weakness in this matter. To
acquire wealth is the ambition of
every man; and where the very few
succeed, the vast majority fails.
Every man has experienced the feel
ings that ensue from unsuccessful
rivalry in the chase for the golden
butterfly He need not possess great
mental capacity in order to furnish an
analysis of the popular feeling toward
the successful mOney-maker,
So long as human nature remains
what II IS we presume this same super
ticlal and unworthy prejudice against
the millionaire viii continue. Poll
ticians viii pander to it; and the
great American sovereign will have
one way Of getting even with his
successful rival, by asserting himself
at the ballot-bOE. The millionaire is
not and will not be a strong man for
any party to place before the people.
The very fact that man has sue
ceeded II amassing wealth furnishes
rTjmG Jacie evidence that ne is pos
sessed Of brains and energy and Is
fitted TO hold public Office; for money
making is accompanied with less
''bull-head luck" than Is generally
supposed. But the public prefers to
imagine that the requirement of
wealth implies lack of scruple and gen
eral rascality.
Wealth, of course, is responsible for
much Of the prejudice of poverty.
Wealth is naughty. Wealth is domi-
neering. Wealth often assumes to
control public affairs and is blindly
confident of its ability to encompass
rs object. Whatever the money power
may be, certain it is that money IS
power. A legislature or a convention
is occasionally at its mercy, while the
driftwood on the surface of politics
can always be gathered in for a rea-
sonable sum. Herein is the danger
inherent in any great accumulation of
wealth. especially when its owner
takes an active part in public affairs.
Money is becoming too largely the
criterion of political success. Doodle |
is displacing brains in official position |
Party loyalty is affected by the size OF |
the campaign fund.
Bat the Republican party has not
passed under the control of any money |
power. Throughout the States of the /
North, where the majorities lie, the |
moral sense of the party has been .
quick 10 detect the danger Of Doodle /
and bribery in politics and urge the
necessity for electoral reform. The /
''bugle CALI has been heard; and the /
fountain source of Republican senti-
ment is found to be pure and undefled.
A Republican Legislature in the back
woods of Maine may fail to realize its
duty and a traitorous Republican Gov
ernor in Connecticut may belle his
own professions. but the great voice
of the Republican party in every
Northern State demands electora Ire
form. The professional politicians of
the Republican party may be opposed
20 the reform; but, If SO. they do not
dare express opposition.
In the State of New York the Repub-
lican party has been solidifed for the
reform of the ballot. II has deter
mined to eliminate Doodle. bribery
and the money power" in whatever
form it may appear, from
the politics of the State. 1t confrOnts
the Democratic party solicited in the
interest OF these evils.
The grand old Republican party is
the only party wherein the reform ele-
ment rules. 1t is The party OF progress.
II the money power becomes often
sive the party that overthrow the
gigantic slave power viii have no diff
tculty in disposing of this latter-day
pigmy.- On. y journal.