The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1892-09-01

German Lutherans will no doubt prove
disgusting to that class of our citizens.
1t is somewhat singular that the cam
paign of 1890, In which the German Luth-
Grams took such conspicuous part, did
not give the leaders of the two political
parties a fuller comprehension of the
characteristics of these people. 1t was the
first time they asserted themselves as
class and they did it SO effectually and
with such little ossentation that natural
ly the public attention was challenged.
Never before did any sect, nationality or
body of men look less to the spoils after
achieving a victory. They were content
with the repeal of the law which they
thought was prejudicial to their religious
interests, and asked no reward beyond
the concession of a right which they con-
scientiously believed should be held in
alienable. They worked with the energy
of enthusiasts and put every consldera-
ton of friendship or allegiance to party
second to the one purpose which animal
ed them. Victory gained under such cir
cumstances is naturally stained with the
riotous use of the fruits of victory. Not
SO with the German Lutherans. They
fell back TO the old position of modera-
ton, more watchfui perhaps, than FORM
erly, but with the same staid, dignified
policy of non-interference.
They misapprehended the purpose of
the law and may yet perceive that they
did SO. But their conduct since the vic
tory which was due to them has proved
conclusively that the mistake was an
honest one. There was no thought OF
gain tainting the motive which impelled
them to work for the repeal of the law.
This, one who fought them with every
means at command, and who would do
SO again under similar circumstances
though with far greater respect for their
strength and honesty of purpose, willing
ly comedies.
These people are not to be won by
chaff. They turned with disdain from
the share of the spoils offered them and
refused even to COUNSEL with, much less
dictate to, their allies in the enterprise.
Such people cannot be cajoled by shak-
ing the bloody shirt of dead Issue.
They owe no gratitude to the party for
the victory of 1890, as they won the vic
tory and accepted no part of the war in
dem nifty. The officials constituting the
| democratic administration of Wisconsin
are in their positions through the grace of
the German Lutherans who have had the
/ magnanimity never to remind them OF
that fact. There is no gratitude due
from the German Lutherans and no dan
ger threatening them from contemplated
legislation, and they know it. The re-
publicans are not foolish enough,-in the
sense that it is folly to do anything which
may jeopardize the offices to favor any
legislation that will ALLEVIATE any class
whose detection means defeat, and the
| German Lutherans know it.
There is no use in earning their con-
tempt by shouting "wolf" when the wolf
is slam. They are not children to be
pleased with rattle and tickled with a
straw" They have proved themselves &c
be hard-headed, conscientious, positive
and tenacious people, liable to error as
all people are. Their allegiance is not
to be gained by the enthusiasm aroused
through the braylng of wind instruments
and the shooting of blank cartridges
Let US give them solid argument on liv-
ing issues, and when we have them con-
WINGED they are with us and will stay
With us.
! Let US have no more of the masquera-
ding IN the habiliments of the Bennett
law. 1t is a straw stuffed concern, and
lit only to brighten fools with. The Ger
man Lutherans are a conservative class
not excitable and formidable because
| they act on conviction. "Wooed not light
ly, won not quickly" there must be sub
| stance IN the arguments furnished them.
They must be appealed to as Ameri-
can citizens and then they will give US
respectful hearing.
MAYOR SoMERs has issued an order di-
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