The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-04-06
THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY.

THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY.
The traditions Of the Democratic party
are not such as to commend them to
thinking men. Such as they are, however,
they are at times worthy of consideration.
They are not in any way encum-
bered by questions of principle. for since
the question of human slavery was settled
there never has been a question
of public policy that could truly be said
to be a consistent principle of Democracy.
The party as whole is essentially party
of expediency. How to get into power
and how best to use power for the attain
ment of selfish ends have always been and
are now the only problems that the lead
ers of the Democratic party deem worthy
of serious consideration.
The truth of this assertion is entirely
substantiated by our recent municipal
election and the subsequent conduct of
the party. The Democratic campaign was
essentially campaign Of malicious mis-
representation and personal abuse.
At every public meeting and upon
the street corners Democratic calamity
howlers ranted about the corruption
and extravaganza of the city government
and the sad state to which our municipal
credit had been reduced. They talked SO
long and so loud and so earnestly that
they actually induced many Republicans
to believe that there was some truth in
what they said and to vote against their
party.
The thing for these Republicans now to
do is to get together, compare notes and
endeavor honestly to ascertain how much
Truth there was and is in the charges so
loudly made before the election. The
Democrats now have the power to investi-
gate and expose the corruption and ex-
travagance which they claim existed. Let
them exercise their power and give to
the public facts instead of insinuations.
The truth of the matter is, however, that
these charges are no longer considered of
importance. They have served their pur-
pose and upon them the Democratic party
has ridden into power. The important is
sue now is not the good of the city, but the
good of the party. How to make places
for Democratic henchmen is now of para
mount Importance, and all other questions
are secondary.
The organ of the party with unblushing
effrontery now undertakes to congratulate
the city upon its prospects and its high
credit with Eastern investors, and to AFRO
gate to itself all of the praise that is due
TO others for the judicious administration
of affairs that has placed the securities of
Seattle ahead of those of any other city in
the state and on a par with old established
and conservative communities in the
East. To the Republican party belongs
whatever credit is due for the standing of
the city IN the financial world. This
standing the Republican party has always
sought TO maintain. II was for the Demo-
attempt to bring it into disrepute at home
and abroad by the circulation of charges
as false as they were injurious. So much
for this phase of the situation. Let US for
moment look at the other.
The Democratic organ, which is as
sumed to speak er cathedrd. and to voice
the sentiment of the now dominant
Rochester element of the party. reads a
lecture to the young man" who has been
elected corporation counsel and treats
him to a severe dose of party discipline,
because he ventures 10 give it as his
opinion that it would be unwise and i'm
polite TO DO violence to the charter
public officials for no other reason than to
make places for Democrats. Shades of
Tsmmany Hall What are we here for if
not for the Offices? So says the organ,
and hungry offce-seekers say Ameni
II the organ, however. had thought q
have made more satisfactory showing.
The plain facts of this particular
controversy are these; The board of pub
lie works maintains that the council has
the power TO impose upon them sny duty
not inconsistent with the charter. but not
10 impose unnecessary and superhuous
restrictions IS 10 the time of perform
ing such duties. The corporation counsel
agrees with the board in their position.
This is the head and front of his
offense, No more. And yet for this he is
reminded that he is young man. tina, he
dId not descend TO personal abuse and de-
hberate falsiiication in his campaign. and
that he ran only few votes ahead of his
ticket Grievous charges truly, and
charges which, if our opinion were asked.
We should say would justify his Democ-
racy IN being called in question Why
not be frank and state the real issue7 Ii
is simply this; Shall the Democratic party
lie permitted to override the law and plain
provision Of the charter simply for the
purpose of making Mr.. Salvador Ellieott
member Of the board of public works.
Mr.. W. F Wilson superintendent Of
water works and Mr.. Robert Bridges su.
pertntendent Of Streets
The telegraph dsceives no one by its
rre'ense of virtuous indignation. The
good people " of this city are law-abidins