The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-12-04
HOW IT HAPPENED.

Five years ago. as was stated openly
ana frankly at the Republican mass meet
ing on Saturday night. there was in this
city a small clique OF corrupt Republican
politicians who ran the city offices and
who ruled everything and everybody with
an iron hand. -Four years ago the great
masA Of the Republican party in Astoria
got tired OF it. They organized organ
lied In a legitimate and honorable man
ner to kill off the stigma still attaching
to the name OF the party. Why did they
do II? 1t was not merely TO depose from
power one man or set of men on merely
personal grounds. Why was the control
of these men SO Offensive to every honest
voter in the city? Just for this: These
sharks had for years used The machinery
cf the Republican party not only for self
aggrandlzement, but for the perpetual
ton Of misrule. This statement ls not
bit too broad. No one who is at all fa-
milIar with inside political history in AS
toria needs to be reminded that year
after year these people, as the self-con-
stituted leaders Of the Republican partN
controlling its action through their COM
mand CT the sources of power at the pri-
maries and in conventions were able.
upon any occasion when they deemed 1t
necessary. to advance all kinds OF
schemes. and to iii places and positions
with their chosen fayorites.
The voters OF this town. Republicans
and Democrats alike had fully made up
their minds to make an end of this mis-
government It was not so much mat
ter OF politics with them as It was of self
preservation. OF redemption from a reign
OF terror in the police department. of filth
and jobbery In the street department, or
foulness in the municipal court. and OF
rottenness in all. They were very much
In earnest about il and they won the
fight But two years later the Repub-
lIcan element OF this reform organization
began to pull up and wonder where the
reformation had landed them. They
saw a Democratic mayor in office,
Democratic city auditor, Democratic
city attorney. Democratic street super
lntendent and Democratic police COM
mission. II was all chance OF course,
but they couldn't help thinking that the
chance was strange coincidence. They
began to wonder through what influence |
this singular and incongruous state of af-
fairs had been brought about. And they
we're not long in reaching conclusion.
The Democrats, taking advantage of the
public spirited and honorable action OF
the large body OF Republican voters. had
deliberately planned the scheme OF put
ting themselves in power. and. under the
shelter OF the reform cry. were gradually
with the assistance OF their political op-
ponents) forming as dangerous and as
rotten ring as had ever existed in the
city.
What were the Republicans to do?
There was only one course left open for
them. and that Il the course they are
pursuing now. The Citizens party Is
today a farce II IS low and con-
temptIble fake worked by few played
out Democratic office seekers and office
holders. and It has run its course.
The Republican party. rejuvenated. hon
est and strong in Its determination. un-
dertook to put an end to the farce. ana
with clean hands and clear conscience
determined to make stand against the
Democrats. ana an their belongings and
Affiliations Upon that impulse. with
public proclamation OF is purpose to
make a great and determined effort to
reform the municipal government. and an
Invitation 70 an citizens who desired that
nonsummation to unite with II in the en-
deavor the party started the present cru
sade which, on the lith OF December. win
throw out the offenders and redeem this
iing-rulea town.