The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1894-12-01
/ POLITICAL CONSCIENCE

a POLITICAL CONSCIENCE.
The revolt against Tammany is not
of recent growth, but has been in ac-
tive operation for long years. As
representative of corrupt ring rule this
band of New York politicians are the
best examples known in the history OF
the country. They have not only
controlled conventions and nominated
the candidates they desired, but secured
their election at the polls. Fifteen or
twenty men, in republic of many
million people, to have concentrated In,
in themselves almost unlimited politi-
al power is dangerous to the per-
petuity of free institutions and the
purity of the ballot box. The political
sins of omission and of commission that
were traced directly to Tammany filled
long list, and were of very fragrant
kind. Its influence begins to be felt in
all parts of the republic, and New York
became the center of ring that was
as autocratic in its sway as the czar of
Russia. Nothing. could withstand its
power, and politics became a syn
onymn for corruption and rottenness.
This machine rule lasted for many
years, until the public became aroused
and demanded that politicians exercise
honesty and integrity. After
the citizens became aware
of the facts the methods of
Tammany suffered defeat in almost
every state, and with them went down
those who advocated the corrupt
principles. But the victory over cor
ruption was not lasting, and almost at
every election giant effort was made
by corrupt politicians to regain their
lost power. In 1892 these elements
were successful in New York, and the
Democratic party came into power
through the Vaccinations of Tam
many.
The last two years has been remark
able for the awakening of the public
to the importance of demanding an
active conscience in political affairs,
and in no part of the union was this
more pronounced than in New York
city. Political and moral influences
were brought to bear against corrup-
tion, and at the polls on November
9th Tammany suffered the most crush.
ing defeat in its history, and which
we hope will be lasting. DR.. Park
hurst made the following remarks re.
gardlng the result in recent speech:
"New York city is free today because
men of all parties agreed to exclude
politics from the concerted campaign
against Tammany Hall, and any tricky
manipulator or political expert, of
whatever complexion, who undertakes
at this date to train victory upon po-
litical lines, to limit it by political
ambitions, and to- prostitute it to po-
litical ends is an execrable traitor to
our municipal interests"
It is trne that the depression felt
during the past two years had its effect
on the election on November 9th of
this year; but it is also fact that
there has been marked advancement
made in the demand for purer poll
tics, and for the exercise of public
conscience In the administration of
state and municipal affairs. This is
widespread all over the land, and party
lines will be broken down when refor-
nations are needed. The results of
this year are simply premonitory of
what may happen any time in the
future. 1t is an imperative demand
for pubic conscience, which has been
almost completely lacking heretofore.
Politicians and political parties must
be honest, and they must not bring |
into operation any questionable
methods to secure success This is the |
verdict Of the American people, and
heed must be given to the admonitlon.