The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1894-12-01

are all organized and persevering in
their demands which are backed either
by ominous threats or fattering offers.
A corporation is defined as an intangible
individual existing only in contempla-
ton of law, and without soul, but
there is one thing certain, it is not un-
grateful. Corporations, which are the
most usual recipients of special legisla
ton and favors and which are the most
prolific source of dishonesty among pub
lie officials, never forget those who favor
and aid them.
The public invariably does. Is it
wonderful. then, that so many officials
elected from the ranks of the people by
the votes of the people are found SHORTLY
after election working in the interests of
those whom, previous to election, they
were out spoken against?
The result is, that for the honest man
in public life the misery, anxiety and re-.
sponsibility far outweigh any compel sa-
tion or honor connected with it. Is it
a matter of surprise that SO many men OF
high business anu social standing in a
community absolutely refuse to have
nything to do with public office? Poo
pie wonder at this and feel disposed to
criticise such individuals for their lack
of public spirit Not at all, tuere is no
lack Of public spirit, such men have large
busiLess interests, are men Of more than
ordinary intelligence and who are natur-
ally Interested in public affairs and would
bs pleased to take part in Them but for
the fact that it does not pay to be honest
there and they cannot afford to be dis
honest.
This is true not only in politics but in
all lines and business of q public nature.
The better element demands stricter reg
ulation as to saloons and gambling
What is the reward of the conscientious,
pains taking mayor who enforces such
regulations Defeat at the next election,
almost invariably, because in enforcing
such REGULATE ,ns he has increased the
bitter snmity of those directly interested
and secured no additional aid from those
whom he favored. He has done his duty
to be sure, but we are trying to show how
hard it is to do that duty. Tne Sabba-
tarians demand that the theatres be
closed Oh Sunday. What is the reward
OF the dutiful manager who closes his
house? DO the people who demand that
he close On Sunday give him increased
patronage on week days as result? He
has done his duty but as to reward he
finds he has been laying up treasures in
heaven.
The travelling public demands bet
ter system of street car transfers; an
obligipg, public serving corporation
grants the request. What Is the reward?
An avalanche of damage suits and penal
ties brought on in the course of it's pub,
lie service. The reading public demands
q fearless, independent press. The editor,
sincere in bis desire as q public servant
to serve the public, writes without fear
or favor and thereby paves the way for a
choice selection Of would-be enemies as
a part of his earthly reward. And so it
is in every public station in life. ut
pays to BIZ faithful to public interests in
tha long RIM. Init the long run ia often
too long for this life"
The public man who is unbending in
his fidelity to principle and duty is de-
serving of great credit-credit which he
never gets, but an honest mans only
reward is a good cons cience.
Public gratitude is purely an abstract
conception, a poetical idea, minus
quantity which exists only in the con-
temptation of angels.