The advocate., 1895-10-02

strai6ed, and It is evident to all but few
amiable philosophers like yourself, that the
strong and brainy few must govern; the
dull and purblind many serve. OF course,
the best and strongest Of the many will
always be coming up into the ranks Of the
few, keeping it an actual aristocracy at all
times. The hope that they may be the
next ones promoted, is to-day keeping hun
dreds Of thousands Of aspiring young men
In both parties, in voluntary subiection to
party control. Why9 Simply because they
hope to profit by it, and are waiting, each
for his chance, to run the "machine." To
smash the ''machine" is to wreck their
hope Of running it when their turn comes,
You think the majority of every party is
honest, and desire good government if they
knew how to get it. You think they wish
honest elections, fair caucuses and the elm
ination Of the boss and the corruptionist.
There was never q greater mistake; the
bigger portion Of every party are in the
party for personal advantage, that is, for
honor or profit. They are the candidates
actvsl or expectant; they are the delegates
anxious to earn an honest penny by being
bought and sold; they are those you call
the 'bosslings," mere jackals who share
the party pickings; they are canvasSers
and touts who thus add little to restricted
incomes; or they belong to the grand army
Of patriots who regard "the right to vote'
as mere asset to be scheduled among
other sources Of legitimate revenue. They
may sell their activity in the caucus, their
votes at election or their general sinful
ence," they may agree to vote
or agree not to vote for consid-
GRAFTON. It matters not; they want the
consideration and have no use for any law
or popular sentiment which shall interfere
with such emolument. If it is not money
that stimulates their patriotism it is free
blow-outs, free whisky, free cigars or a
chance to bet on free "tips" straight from
party headquarters.
You think the people are more honest,
sincere and patriotic than the party leaders
and managers. The very reverse is true.
You have no idea of the extent to which
mercenary motives influence the average
voter. 1t has increased more than thou
sand per cent. since was first member Of
state committee. This is the reason no
man but millionaire can afford to be a
candidate for the more important positions,
such as governor or United States senator,
unless he makes q combine" with
other men to divide with them the patron
age Of his position, if elected. In nine
cases out of ten a nomination, with any
reasonable chance Of election, is merely
trade with the candidate or his friends or
somebody else and his friends. OF course
there are infinite variations; but the need
Of satisfying those who wish to be cor
rupted, is the great impelling motive Of all
preferential nominations. We are accus-
toned to hear it said that the people are so
much better than the politicians that many
besides yourgelf have come to believe 1t.
The very reverse is true The politicians
aEe, baAen aS WnOAo, mOro hOnooO 0nu Po-
triotic than the average Of the party or
people they represent. If you could have
laid bare before you the secrets Of single
campaign, even you would give over your
faith in the average citizens political in
tegrity.
This tendency is growing worse and
worse and there is nothing developing, so
far as can see, to check or change it.
Your idea Of teaching citizenship, itsrights,
duties and obligations, in the home, the
social circle, the school would seem to be
q good way to correct it; but the simple
truth Is nobody cares-or rather not enough