Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1892-02-27
Is the Idaho Division in Politics!

HE question: us the luano IL
vision Of the Union Pacific system in
politics?" has become more common
and more frequent than the whistlings
of the winter winds, 1t is being asked
and asked again in all candol and in
all seriousness. The thoughtful, con.
sentative, taxpayiug men Of the coun-
try ask it seriously and for informa-
ton If it be so, they desire to know
it; likewise, If it be not so, they desire
to know it
The suspicion which gave rise to
the question was aroused at the time
Of the republican league meeting at
Boise City. When the Superintend.
ent sent out his private car bearing
officers of the road and their invited
guests as delegates the people began
to show signs of wonderment ut its
meaning When one Of the officers
of the road became so active in the
league meeting as to cause this re
mark: The is not here for his health,
but measurably to run the meeting,
the people OWNED that the meaning
was: The Idaho Division is entering
the politics Of the state and at the
very beginning. 1t is an open secret
and men are bold to tell it that the
action Of the Superintendent IN thus
sending out his car, and the actions
of the attorney and the freight agent
in the league meeting warrant the
statement that the Division shall be
counted in politics for the coming
campaign, and will be il to stay.
The NEWS would regret to share
the belief of those who seem 50 san
guine Of the tuthfulness Of their
statements. We should regret deeply
to witness, so early 10 the history Of
our young State, if ever at any time,
q campaign made on the issue Of rail-
road and anti.railroad The troubles
arising from similar fights in the older
states are fresh in our memory. We
would deplore a revival of them. or
anything akin to them in Idaho. A
state fight on such an issue could haze
but one ending.
But THE News Is more charitable,
it does not share this belief 1t is
fact and will not be denied al any
point along the lines of the Division
that Superintendent Calvin stands at
the head Of tue class of railroad off.
cials Tor courtesy and accommodation
as well as for the successful manage
ment of his lines. His fellow towns.
men, Of Pocatello, had elected a full
set Of delegates to the league meeting.
Two of these delegates were officials
of the road: attorney Lockwood and
freight agent Baker. In order then
that these delegates--these officials
might attend the meeting without the
expense and delays incident to the
ordinary way, it is probable that Mr.
Calvin, as matter OF accommodation.
rendered them his private car then
standing idle on the track in the yard
and his tender was accepted. This is
likely all to that part Of it. Touch
ing Mr.. Lockwood's activity, il was
claimed that he was one of the best.
if not the very best, parlimentarlan
at the meeting; the club 50 recognized
him and il may be that for bis ability
to preside and to lead on the floor his
colleagues and other members crowded
! him to the front where active duties
could not be shirked nor stunned.
THE NEWS is unwilling to be harsh
in hasty judgment 1t is unwilling
TO believe that the management OF
this great road would boldly declare
itself IN politics and espousc the
cause Of one party against the other
before the fight was fairly on. No, /
we will wait and see. To be right /
has its victories as well as peace and
war