The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-09-22
CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT.

CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT.
M. D. Harter. in the Forum. thinks the
time has come for reformation in
the methods of conducting national
political campaigns; that is, there
should be a change that will render the
work done and the money spent through
national committees more effective and
its effect more wholesome.
Whoever has given the subject any un-
biased attention will agree with the
essayist that the present methods are
antiquated and ill-suited to the times;
that more direct and open courses should
now be pursued, and all the mystery and
tricks and chicane of committee work
put aside, and the financial and other
political campaign work be done in the
open. Certainly the party that first
adopts the system of openness of ac-
counts and abandonment Of payments
for influences will have the larger
share of public sympathy and confidence,
other things being assumed to be equal.
The essayists idea is that the party
platform should be more held up as a
distinct promise of the party. But he
should have added, if it is to cut a larger
figure it must be made more explicit. It
is not now held to be so binding that the
party is dishonored which in any respect
evades or disregards it. But Mr.. Harter's
contention is, that if campaign is con-
Quoted strictly upon the platform as
promise, we will have as q matter of
course more definite platforms, and cam
paigns will become those of principle
certainly conditions greatly to be de-
sired; for such campaigns will be appeals
to reason, conscience and patriotism, and
not merely to the sympathies, the pas
sions and the emotions.
He would have all responsibility east
upon the State Committees, giving them
entire control within their own territory.
Thus the work of the National Commit
tee will become mainly advisory, and
will be much simplifed. This, he thinks,
will make it more vigorous and efficient,
a conclusion that strikes US as logically
reached and supported by political good
sense, for the entire independence of State
Committees would make campaign work
in the States greatly more satisfactory.
1t would bring the campaign close to the
people: it would seem more like a State
campaign and a local affair, and thus en-
gage greater active interest.
The National Committees would find
enough to do in preparing and supplying
the political literature necessary to the
dissemination of facts in support of party
theories and claims. Securing full lists
through the State Committees it could
mail matter direct to the voters. It could
also arrange to supply State Committees
with noted speakers from outside the
State, Thus the entire work of the Ma
tionaI Committee would be educational
in direction and that is enough to engage
its best efforts and enlist the personal in
terest of that political body.
Mr.. Harter in conclusion would have
the National Committees publish at the
close of the campaign full statements OF
receipts and expenses, that the people may
see precisely how these organizations
have worked, and that they used none
of their funds iilegitimately or in doubt
full directions.
All which is pleasant suggestion, and il
carried out would induce cleanliness in
politics largely, but it is doubtful if the
reform suggested can be brought about
in any brief time; Or whether the po-
Iitical bosses will permit the open and
above board policy contended for, or will
consent that National Committees may
WELD to State Committees the questions
and labors they now take upon them.
selves. Some day, possibly, it will be
done and our campaigns will be con.
Quoted wholly by local committees, the
National body not being heard or seen il
the campaign except as an educationa
factor and adviser.