The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1893-04-26
1.-THE POLITICAL BOSS"
Graphic Picture of Potent Char
acter.

aCter.
The political boss is no longer an
unknown quantity in American poll
tics. The patient masses have been
slow to recognize the unpleasant
fact, and have endeavored to explain,
account for, and at times even apollo
gize for his obnoxious presence.
They have so far failed to produce
single satisfactory reason for his
existence in the practical affairs of
government. He has none of the
qualities which fit men for the re-
sponsible duties of leadership. His
executive ability, at most, is never
above mediocritv, and, generally, it
is far below that point. AS rule,
up to the date of his entrance into
the arena of practical politics, he
has had no training or experience in
the administration of public affairs,
and, therefore, lacks that mental
grasp SO necessary to the most eff
fective and efficient work in the pub
lie service. His craftsmanship is
sadly wanting. But the average po-
litical boss is not wholly devoid of
qualities which at least commend
him to his fellows. Often he is an
active man of affairs. His acquaint-
! ance with men is extensive; his me-
thods are frequently skillful; his re-
serve power sometimes great. He is
always man of infinite pretense.
He never hesitates at anything. 1t
is effrontery and loquacity that Sc
cure for him certain prominence,
where a more modest and retiring,
but much more worthy nature, must
remain unrecognized. His self-con-
ceit is without limit. He talks much
of what he has done and what he
can do. Nothing is impossible with
him. AS political manipulation the
average boss is thoroughly unscrupu-
lous. If he has an honest political
principle he will not let it interfere
with his political ends, however dis
honest they may be. He is in poll
tics to win, and the mere matter of
principle shall not stand in the way
to success. Because of these dis
honest methods so frequently en-
ployed by the political boss, one of
the dangers which threaten the
practical politics of our times and
country confronts us, the tendency
of which is and must be to keep out
of active politics many clean, wise
and honest men. Certainly this is
not a healthy condition of affairs.
The motives of the political boss
are never lofty and disinterested.
They are essentially low and selfish.
Usually he is in politics for revenue
only. Sometimes he is in quest of
political self-aggrandizement. He is
never there solely and exclusively
for his country's good. He has no
laudable ambition, no devotion to
principle, no self-sacrifcing patriot
ism. He is at all times, and under
all conditions and circumstances,
the constant and abiding conserva-
tor of his own dearest interests.
And to secure them, he will hesitate
at nothing. 1t is true that he is a
shrewd and crafty fellow, fertile in
resources, INSCRIPTIONS in methods
hypocritical in motives, without in,
tegrity, without large capacity, with,
out honor. Why, then, should we
tolerate him? Is there need for him
There can be but one answer. 1t is
travesty on the history of these
latter-day political conditions oil
America that such fungus growth
has been allowed to exist and flour.
ish. He has no proper place in oul
midst. He is foreign to the spirit Of
our institutions. Improve public
opinion, demand better requirements
for public servants, and thus make
the life of the political boss impossi,
BILE in free America. 1t can be done
1t ought to be done. l believe ii
will be done.-Duane Mowry, Esq. :, 4,
American Journal Of Politics for april