The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1894-09-16
INFORM YOURSELF.

Under the above heading our even
ing contemporary, the Capital, Of Fri
day, gives its readers column lesson
upon the duties Of good citizenship. 1t
starts out by declaring that there is
too much narrow prejudice in politics;
that too many men belong to party
because of prejudice, raising or tra-
dition." No more serious truth could
be uttered And the Capital at once
proceeds to demonstrate it by enter
ing into a TRADE Of abuse OF the south
for its steadfastness TO the princi-
pies OF Democracy and for being
sluggish and non-progressive. l"
Without entering any defense for the
south's adherence TO its political prin-
ciples and party atiiliation-the his
tory of the dealings of the Republican
party with that section in matters o.
political legislation and administra-
ton for the past thirty years is quite
enough to justify it, II nothing else
and referring to its material condition
alone, the facts not only dispreve the
allegation Of sluggishness and nom
proRressiveness by showing that that
section has made greater progress in
every line OF industry, under the
solid Democratic rule though IL is, dur
ing the recent past than any other sec
ton of the country. More mines have
been opened, more mills and factories
opened, more building and general
improvement less stagnation in bust
ness, fewer business failures, strikes
and other disturbances TO commerce
and industry, in the south than In any
other geographical division OF the
country. These are facts that are
borne out by the record and cannot be
gainsaid or successfully contradicted
So much for that.
But, after delivering himself Of par
tisan and sectional prejudice the
writer of the Capitals article has an-
other lucid interval and proceeds to
give his readers some wholesome and
timely admonition. We quote:
Politics is nothing IL not principle.
A man is chunp who belongs to any
party for any other reason than a sim
cere and honest belief that the princi-
pies that party advocates are best for
the welfare of himself, his neighbors
his county his state and his nation.
1t Is the duty of every man 70 know
what his party advocates; aud IL Is as
much his duty to know just what the
other parties advocate. 1t is his duty
likewise to compare the platforms,
one with the other. and make fair,
square, reasonable deduction as to
which is the best You can better
your own condition and that OF your
country only by your labor, honesty
and reason, You can't do II by follow
ing time-worn grooves, as a matter of
custom or prejudice.
This is good and wholesome advice
and Tux LEADER heartily commends
il TO all. II the people OF the country
will adopt il it and calmly and dis
passionately examine the principles
and professions OF the political parties
and compare them with the records
made by each, we have no fear of the
result. II such investigation and
comparison does not show that the
Democratic party has proven itself the
friend and defender OF the peoples
and the eountFy's best interests
above and beyond that Of any other
party. then it will lot only be your
privilege but your duty TO disregard
its Gains and vote for another