The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1892-12-02
f. o. DEWEY. EDITOR.
Concerning the Senator hip.
From the Hastings Banner.


The democratic p ess of Michigan is hav-
ing much to say. in view of the fact that the
legislature is overwhelmingly republican,
about the candidacy of Senator St0ckbrldge
for second term, especially commenting on
the fact that the senator Is a man of means.
Ii 1t We're any argument, we might point
TO several democratic u. 5. senators who
are guilty OF the crime of wealth. But the
criticism has no basis In reason, no fOunda-
ton in justice. Ii is especially without ex-
cuse from democrats because had demo
cratic legislature been chosen i'm this state,
Don. NJ. Dickinson, a horn aristOcrat, a man
of great wealth and a corporation lawyer,
would have been elected senator.
The mere fact Of 'man having means,
which he by his own efforts has acquired, is
In no sense an argument for or against this
elevation to political Office. Were wealth
handed down to him, none can deny but
that it might put him out of sympathy with
the masses, whose struggles he could not
appreciate because he had never made them
himself. But man who has built up his
own fortune from feeble beginnings, knows
the hardshIps of toll from experience, and is
in close touch and ready sympathy with
those who toll as did he Ii success be
honestly wOn-and we have never heard
the honor character and integrity of Sena-
tor StOckbrdge even questionable argues
his ability, good judgment. foresight, care
and prudence. These qualities, to say the
least, do not disqualify man for political
Office, but rather speak in his favor.
We have no sympathy with the hue and
cry raised against men of means simply
because they have them If they be dsh0n-
est, disreputable disgraced by vices or faint
ed by crime. then there is ground for criti-
clsm, and the criticism is all the more just
because i'm suc,i men such characteristics
are more blameworthy than in those with
out their opportunities. But to decry
man because he has money, which none deny
is honestly his, is utterly senseless. Those
who raise the cry, were they granted like
opportunities and possessed the same abili-
ties, would not for one moment hesitate to
get as wealthy as those they condemn.
Such criticism panders to base. anarchistic
sentiments, and is calculated to inf1ame
dangerous and unreasonable prejudices.
While saying these things we are fully alive
to the fact that wealth should meyer be con-
sidered a stepping stone TO positions; that
would be unjust and dangerous. IL is
equally as dangerous and as monstrOusly I'M
Just to consider mans means as bar to
position. A mans wealth should not enter
the case at all. The man is the subject for
consideration. The purpose of the demo-
cratic wall about Senator Stockbridges
money is plain. 1t does not arise from
belief that he would not serve the people of
Michigan with the same zeal, ability and
care that he has shown for the past six
years. No criticism of his character or
ability has been made. 1t is a causeess at
tempt to make party capital by appealing to
ignoble prejudices. Every vote by Mich
that have come before the senate has been
thoroughly consistent with the platform and
principles of the republican party. No
breath of scandal has ever been attach
ed to his official career. He has never been
accused of favOring private intereSts-his
every vote being consistent with public in
tereSt, and the interests Of Michigan as he
understood them. His character as a man
and actions as a senator have never subject
ed him to even the suspicion of having cast
a vote for private or individual interests.
Democratic slurs upon him are for partisan
ends solely.
With no stain upon his private or official
record, with no charge that he has not been
in thorough harmony with the republican
party, with faithful attention to every inter
est OF the state he represents, and fer which
he has by his ability and zeal secured much
IdNOTdDlt all IlltSe lUlISS
to his credit, and having served one term
well, some other, and some defensible, OBJ
lection than that he is man of means must
be urged to atone for doing him the great
wrong of denying him what has become
party usage i'm this state--a second term.
1t is yet early for senatorial agitation.
But not too early to agtate for the removal
of senseless and excuseless objection t.
well tried and faithful public servant.
Should proofs be made that Senator Stock
bridge had been recreant to his trust out of
harmony with his party, in his senatorial
actions, they would be valid objections, suf-
ficient to secure his retirement. No such
proofs have been produced, no such Objec-
tons urged, nor do we believe they can be.
But the mere fact that he has by industry,
good judgment and keen ability been able to
accumulate ample means, constitute no
excuse for the republican party of Michigan
to fly in the face of its precedents favorable
to second term, and do great injustice to
a good man, a capable public servant, and
a loyal republican.