St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-12-29
OFFICES AND PARTIES.

OFFICES AND PARTIES.
We have said, and we repeat, that the
observation of unbiased men and the eX-
perience Of candid politicians is that
the distribution of the federal offices. as
made by both parties, is source of
weakness to the parties burdened with
1t. In this we are aware that we are
opposed to the opinions Of some men in
all parties who may be fairly divided
into. three classes: The men who want
appointment, the men who want to give
appointments SO as TO build up follow
ing, and others who do not want Office,
but to whose intense partiSanship the
occupancy of ali Office by one of the
opposing party is as irritating as is the
sight of red flag to bull.
All three of these classes insist with
earnestneSS, and, we believe. with sin
certify, that the possession of the offices
iSindiSpenSable to party success because
men will not take an interest in their
party or aldiu its struggles unless the
incentive of an office is with them.
While we do not agree with this view,
our fellow Democrats as to think that
they are mOtived SO selfshly. we do
agree with them in thinking that the
distribution OF the offices, as long as
distribution" is to be made. may be
made of great benefit to the party.
But that will depend entirely on how it
is made. Ii the method that obtains now
i'll both of the two parties which inter
mittentlY run the pie counter is
meant, then we dissent emphatically. If
it is to be done by series of magnates,
beginning with the chairman of county
committee and running thence up
through the state committee, each par
ceiling out his territory with admitted
supremacy III it; or if it is to be placed
in the hands of that diSjointed and I'M
related segment of the organization
known as the national committeeman,
to give or withhold as ne, in his judy
ment OF interest or other motive, may
please. then, no matter how wisely or
unselfishly any of these may act, the pat
rOnage is all unmitigated curse to any
party, and a source OF constantly increas-
ing weakness.
If, on the other hand, the distribution
Is made on a method finding its founda-
ton on true Democratic principles, the
right of the people to govern them
selves and select their servants; if the
choice of any local officer is left to the
determination of those in the locality
served by him-restricted to those of
the party in power; if they are afforded
chance to express their wishes with
out coercion, freely and unintluenced;
if something better than petitions or
| solicited letters can be devised for as
pertaining this wish; and then, when
this wish is expressed, give to the Of
| ficers of the organization no other func-
ton than to certify to the regularity of
the proceedings and the fitness and
| reputability Of the person selected, we
will agree that the offices may be made
a service to the party that dispenses
| them.
The reason of this is plain and lies
on the surface. If the voters of party
are thus called into council; if they are
asked to select their postmaster, say; if
they are assured that the wishes of the
| major part of them will prevail, they
are brought into closer touch with their
party; each man feels, whether his
| choice wins or not, that he has had his
fair say; that the great party is nearer
him because it makes him an adviser in
it. and there comes to him greater
sense of responsibility for his action as
party man. If, on the other hand,
these men are ignored; if, after express
ing their desire, it is brushed aside by
| some QUE who STANDS between the office
and the appointing power. they feel the
natural resentment of men whose rights
of citizenship have been ignored and in
suited.
However proper the present plan of
appointments may be in party whose
| inspiration springs from paternalism
and which teaches a parental system OF
goyernment-for the ''boss" is but a
slang expression for father-it is ONLY an
eXcrescence,a fungOid growth on a party
like the Democratic, whose basic prin.
ciple is the rule Of the people in all their
affairs, and an abiding confidence that
the stability of the government rests on
widening the sphere of each citizens
participation in the government with its
resultant sense of responsibility for his
action. Democracy is home rule. and
there should be no exceptions to its op.
Grafton anywhere. This requires that
wherever it is possible the selection oil
the federal officers be RENTED to the
locality, or if the Office cover a larger
territory, then to the Democrats of that
section. The party will be strength
ened. not weakened, by this method
because the party and not some one mar
is consulted and given the decision.