Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1894-07-27

The welfare OF the community Is
menaced in the recognition by repub-
licans of men whose faith In party
principles is doubtful. There is more
than sentimental motive in the de-
termination to put only republicans
on guard, and to nominate for office
only such as accept their political
beliefs from the superior wisdom oil
the party as whole. The encour-
agement of any individual however
wise, in an attempt TO substitute any
principles whatsoever for the prlnci
Piles Of republicanism, is blow at
the foundations of the temple erect
ed by the effort of more than quar-
ter of century, by strong hands and
honest hearts. There is no humllia
ton in the unreserved acceptance OF
republican doctrine as a political
guide. Republicanism represents
vast treasury of political wisdom,
thesaurus of principles tried and not
found wanting. The republican par
ty is the only party which offers to
its believers practicle tenets, in that
it is the only party which in thirty
wears has been able to guide the ship
of state clear of rocks and shoals.
Where other political organizations
base their beliefs on theory, the re.
publican party presents canons OF
economics tested in the crucible OF
experience and proved meritoriou'.
1t is no idle boast that republicanlsm
is a saving force in civilization. Ii
is not the product of one mind, mol
of few minds, but of very many
and their deliverance is confirmed
by the supreme test of practical ap
plication. OF the views of no othei
party, of no individual notions car
that be said. Far from being a hu
initiation to accept the faith that II
thus established, it is mark of hon
or, pralseworthy Difference to su
perior wisdom. 1t is necessary, /
; this great treasure which has beer
thirty years in collecting is to con
tinue of value to humanity, tina
every candidate put forward by tn
6 party acknowledge it without reser
> walton. The nomination or indorse
: ment of a man who declines to stan'
o squarely upon the republican plat
r form, with no equivocation, with n
!. evasion of vital issues, is tantamoun
o to a confession that the republica
$ party has lived IN vain, that the ac
foundations of its long aud usefu
. life are rubbish to be cast aside an
,. supplanted with any theories an
, platitudes that have pleasant sounc
s Republicans who support candldat
r. unwilling to acquiesce completed
% in the superior fitness of his party t
"a decide great issues, are discreditin
and repudiating the heritage upo
which popular confidence in thel
# rests. There is no heresy more dai
1t gerous than populism. The belief
D. of that party are the offspring {
is desperation, mediocrity, selfshne'
G. and envy. There is not an homes
IF fibre in them from beginning to EN-
IT They have neither the credit of d,
,e cent origin nor Of practical utilit
nc No man who draws any portion {
III his inspiration from such a fol
Il. source should be allowed to stand
Of republican convention and ask i
it favor. lie is dangerous. 1t is throug
It. such one that the great power I
Ms the greatest party may be diverted
vi abominable ends. When there com
o. before republicans one to whom Il
ut faint of populism attached, especial
N. one who declines to purge himself
is the fatal suspicion, due respect f
the achievements Of the party in Il
past, proper estimate of the goo
Mt i, may do in the future impels to b
"a. reputation and to no other cours
a. The time has not come when repu
lie. licans need be ashamed of what The
IN have done. Detroit Tribune.