The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1890-03-08
poEIrLcs US. PATRIOTISM.

There is a movement on foot in this
headed by the grangers, to
form third party during the coming
election, and possibly it may place
ticket in the field. In this regard we
do not feel like many Republicans
and Democrats, that any one who has
been affiliated with the party in the
past, commits the basest of all crimes
when he assumes to act and vote as
his conscience dictates in the premises,
notwithstanding the mandates of con-
ventions.. 1t is not only possible, but
even probable, that political organi-
cations which were based on the purest
moral or patriotic ideas, may have
become so changed 10y the manipula-
tions of professional politicians or
placemen tina. there is not single
foundation principle left. There are
many reasons why this happens.
When a party becomes popular it
attaches to itself certain parasites
who derive their existence from the
organization, without any merit of
their own, and in time these may be-
come the controlling elements. The
solid foundation upon which it stands
may he entirely changed, and instead
of structure commanding the respect
of all moral persons it. may become
one which is simply the hiding place
of everything that is obnoxious. Be
cause of this, we have never con-
sidered that it involved moral tur-
pitude if an American citizen, in the
exercise of his full privileges as such,
sees fit to divorce himself from corrupt
leaders, or from the domination of q
convention which is controlled by pol
itical shysters and clique rulers. The
only question that can be discussed, or
is worthy Of being criticised, in such a
movement is, can it he successful, or
will it in the least remedy the evil
from which relief is sought The fact
that the gransers and other labor or
carnations are alive to the importance
of making q stand against the corrup:-
ing influence of corporations is hope
full sign of the permanency of free in
stitutions. For years, in this county,
the producers have, to man, Teen in
favor of an open river, and on every
occasion in which candidate for Office
has appeared before them they have
been regaled with the most eloquent
eulogiums of the Columbia river and
the Importance of removing all obstruc-
tions to its navigation. Year after
year they have patiently waited for
these promises to bear fruit; but at
every succeeding session of con-
gress have been sadly disappointed.
The majority in this county for
the Republican ticket has been fully
500, and on this politicians have based
their calculations that any course
could be pursued without injury to
party prestige. This should not be,
and it is time that all persons in
terested should know beyond a doubt
that they are held strictly accountable
to the trust reposed in them. Fealty
to party-while it embodies honest
principles always commendable;
but when it becomes the resort of
otfice-seekers to carry out their per-
sonal desires, the conscientious and
patriotic citizen will carefully consider
al matters before he becomes its will
ing slave. The only question-and
this is not one of moral conviction
20 be considered is whether any
good can be accomplished by
IN independent course. Regarding
The present labor movement this ques-
lion is very important, and We hope
he leaders will carefully weigh the
natter and consider whether it is
policy before they attempt to enter the
Uncertain field of politics. i