The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-05-30
CONSOLIDATION BETTER THAN d.
VISION.

The knights Of Reciprocity is the
title of a secret political organization re-
Gently formed in Kansas, which has in
vited delegates from Nebraska, Minnesota,
Iowa and perhaps other adjoining states.
to attend a convention which is 70 be held
at Topeka, with view to the extension Of
the organization throughout those states,
and possibly throughout the greater part
of the Union prior TO the next presidential
election.
This movement is said 10 have been
started under Republican auspices, with
intent TO counteract the Alliance move
ment and TO reclaim a large proportion Of
the Republicans who have become identi-
fed with the latter. The main argument
in support of it is that secret organization
has fascination for many people, and 10
this in large measure the growth Of the
Alliance is attributed.
On the score of policy any such move
ment is hazardous, and as a matter of
| principle it is at variance with the best
| traditions of the Republican party. To be
| true to these, Republicanism must be open
and sboveboard, and all whose support is
expected must have equal voice, or oppor-
tunity at least, in shaping the policy and
formulating the principles of the party.
While il is true that many men are fasci-
mated By and attracted to secret organiza-
| tons, il is equally true that many are un-
| alterahly opposed to them, some through
| prejudice and others on principle There
4 rss nj
| licans who cannot without violating obi
| cations that they consider binding. and
| others who cannot without sacrificing con-
scientious convictions, become members of
secret organization. Ii is clearly not
wise 10 do anything which will have a
tendency 10 estrange these from other
members of the party.
| 1t should require no argument TO con-
vince that such must he the tendency of
| secret organization for political purposes
BY any considerable number which might
not include all Of the party membership.
| There can be no conference or determine
ton on equal terms between those who
have compared opinions and reached agree
| ments in secret organizations, and those
who are not thus associated but set indie
| pendently as individuals. Under the most
| favorable circumstances it frequently re-
| auires skillful management and strong sp-
! peals 10 party spirit and political princi-
| pies 10 avoid dissensions and divisions.
but with portion Of party acting
| through a secret organization, and a por-
| ton not thus associated, these dangers
would helnfnitely increased and far more
| difficult to reconcile.
| The truest. best and highest policy is
for Republicans, he they many or few. to
come together in the open. show the cour-
/ age of their convictions. and make vail
snt, housetop proclamation of what they
believe to he right and mean TO contend
for, and like the founders OF their party
rely for victory on the justice and wisdom
| of their cause; like brave and true men
strive for success BY showing that they de-
| serve it.
1t must be apparent 10 al who appreciate
/ the material of which the Republican
| party is AZ least in large par. COM