Arizona republican., 1891-05-07
NON-PARTISAN POLITICS.


 One of the most deceptive cries issued by the "reiormer" is for "non-partlsan conventions" "non-partisan elections" and "non-partisan appointments" In republic of this character there is no such thing as n-partisanism, un- less u vitizeu desires to shirk reepon sibility. Parties are formed with set principles and ideas, and it is the duty of every good citizen to ally himself one way or the other. Speaking on this subject the St. Louis Globe Democrat, an independent Republican paper, has this to say: Another non-partisan conven- ton is to be held at Denver next month, and it's proceedings will probably be very much like those of the recent similar gathering at Kansas City. That is to say, there will be a considerable amount of miscellaneous and monotonous speech making, and long series of resolutions will be passed; but neither the speeches nor the resolutions will have any practi- cal effect. Such is the invariable his- tory of these conventions. They make a great show of devotion 70 the ,eanse,pf progress an. siorsn, but they nsyj3 sci complain anything. AS rulS thsys af9 brought to pass by . handful Of S4itktors anxious to gain notoriety, and so they have no substantial and reasonable pub lie sentiment behind them. The dele gates are selected promiscuously and without any sense of respon- sibility or any definite under standing of what is expected of them. Accordingly, men of different convictions and prejudices are brought together only to engage in profitless discussion of different topics, and to leave things exactly where they find them so far as rational and effective conclusions are concerned. This has been demonstrated SO often that the public can readily anticipate the result when each new experiment is announced. The fact is that the convention business is very much overdone in this country. We have conventions representing or assuming to represent different branches of trade and industry, and they are no sooner held than they are forgotten. They do not appeal to popular interest and favor in any positive way, but merely do their talking and disperse without making any impression. It is to be said in their defense that they do little or no harm, 10 be sure; but that can hardly be considered a sufficient justification. They serve no really use- ful purpose, and where no benefit is de- rived there is waste of time and energy that should be applied to practical ends. The only conventions that count are those of a partisan character. It is through them that public senti- ment is influenced and stimulated. Their proceedings are coherent, consist ent and advantageous. When they as- semble it is for plain and logical ob- ject. They stand for something tangible, and perform work that has method in it. The spirit by which they are animated is an established force in public affairs, and thus they are able to make their labors worthy of attention and respect. It is by parties that everything is done under our system of government. The non-partisan theory of holding popular thought and controlling popular action is a delusion in and snare. All undertak. ings in that line have turned out to be disappointments, in spite of the virtue of good intentions and honest courage of opinion. The people can not be per. suaded to believe that it is either neces' sary or expedient to deal in that man ner with issues and interests of general