Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1892-10-13

is straw that shows which way the
wind blows" The expense of this lin
gering at legislative play cost the tax
payers of the state the snug little sum OF
81 per minute. will lead my readers
to the necessary calculations for such
future luxuries.
In the midst OF this confusion and in
competency it is refreshing to note the
prominence Of the majority OF the Demo-
cratic members in both houses OF both
legislatures. In the first legislature the
sole Democratic senator stood out prom
inently, and was always watchful for the
interests of the people. Senator Henry
Drum, OF Tacoma, was the most conspic-
uous figure in Washington's first senate.
In the house, that staunch old Demo-
cratic war-horse, Stephen Jrdson, OF
Pierce county, was always found battling
for the right. 1t is needless to mention
at length the special work of each, but
suffice to say that all the Democratic
members made splendid records in favor
of economy and the passage of just and
equitable laws. In the second legislat-
ure there was a noticeable increase OF
Democrats in both houses, but unfortu-
nately not sufficient number to control
legislation, though, be it said to their
credit, they did direct it largely, and
oftentimes prevented vicious measures.
We might mention few names in this
connection and are familiar to all who
read the proceedings from day to day.
There was that powerful triumvirate,
Snively, Goldman and Sharpstein, which
welded a strong influence on the pro-
ceedings of the house, supported as they
were by Rockwell, Anderson, Frame,
Chambers, Bass, and numerous others OF
equal ability. In the senate there was
J. T. Eshelman, in addition to Henry
Drum, to stand up for the right. Indeed,
Republicans as we'll as Democrats recog-
nized and even in many instances ac-
knowledged that the Democratic mem
bers were by nature of their ability the
leaders in bo4h houses. was told-by a
Republican member Of the house that
whenever he desired any information he
always went to Snively, Goldman OF
Sharpstein, and frankly acknowledged to
me that the were unquestionably the
peers Of any one in that body. l men
ton these facts in order to show the
character and ability OF the men who re.
ceive nominations at the hands Of the
Democratic conventions. Good men are
always chosen because no incentive ex.
lists for selecting tools or men easily led
by the few political tricksters in control
Of the republican party in this state, and
to show further that if the taxpayers and
voters desire good and efficient and hon.
est work done in their legislature O
change is necessary. This "ring" must
be broken, and it can only be broken by
prompt and effective kick at the ballot
box. If you, my Republican voter, ode
sire to continue the destinies of the com
monwealth in the hands of these trick
sters and submit to their dictations you
can do SO, but if you feel that change is
not only necessary but imperative, you
must forget your party prejudices and
support for once the opposition. "Breal
the ring" should be your watchword
Rings are dangerous ii long permitted tc
have full sway. The numerous scandals
of which shall treat separately at length
later on amply prove this assertion. Mer
and parties long continued in Office are
the exception if corruption does not CREEP
in and cause the people to suffer by un
just and .Iequitable taxation. These
SINS of commission and omission are
chargeable to the Republican party Of
this state, and there can be no shifting Of
the burden for the entire control of the
government has been in the hands Of
that party's representatives since Wash
ington has been state. The legislature
has been overwhelmingly Republican
the Democratic contingent being SO small
in number as to render legislation at al
subject to their desires utterly impossi
BILE. Hence, say, the Republican party
as party is wholly responsible for these
offensive scandals, and those who vote
for such officials are just as much iespon-
sible as their representatives.