The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1895-08-24
DEMAGOGLSM.

In free country, where universal
suffrage prevails, there are vast oppor-
tunities for demagogism, and these
are not neglected by politicians in this
republic. "The people, ""the Masses"
"the millions against the millionaire"
are rallying cries of demagogues, by
which they hope to delude the public,
and by this means to accomplish the
object desired. In many instances
they are successful, and frequently the
political shyster is elevated into Office,
and the honest patriot defeated. 1t is
a general rule that man Of few words
is one Of many acts, and vice versa.
He who makes numerous promises re-
deems but few, and the true friend Is
the one who will come to your relief
in the hour of your adversely and
makes no idle boast of it. These rules
are directly applicable to the blatant
politician, who is very outspoken about
the evils to be remedied and the last
to institute any reform. He is one of
that class of men who are constantly
decrying plutocrats and the domina-
ton of wealth, and who are most ear
nestly desirous of changing places
with them. Before every election,
especially one of national Importance,
these men are the loudest in their pro-
fessions of interest in the laboring
masses, and the most severe in their
denunciations of capitalists and cor
porations. Their purpose is easily dis
cerned, but still they pursue the same
tactics year after year with remarka-
BILE success. 1t would seem that think
ing men would realize the true intent
of these selfish politicians; but they
appear to be absolutely blinded re-
garding everything except the fair
promises made. and pay no attention to
their fulfllment.
In this country. where avenues of
wealth are open to all, and where, if
any continue distressfully poor with
out being the victims of misfortunes
that could not be overcome, it must
be considered due to their lack of
economy, inherent Incidence or
shiftlessness, there should be no an
tagonism against those who have ac-
cumulated wealth. Those who are
poor today may be rich tomorrow
and this has frequently happened in
this country-and conditions may sud-
denly change whereby the wealthy
may be reduced to poverty in few
hours, which is not an unusual occur
ance. Very few are born in wealthy
conditions, and none to privileged
positions. The country is as free as it
could be, consistent with the enforce
ment of salutary laws for the protec-
tion of society. There should be
harmony among all classes, and in
affairs there should not
be the least antagonism against those
who possess an abundance of prop
ertv or money. They are directly
in the permanency of the
established institutions, and are
personally concerned in the econo-
mical administration of state and I,
national affairs, because the burden of !
taxation bears heavier on them than |
On their fellow citizens whose names
never appear on the tax roll or who |
never indulge in luxuries on which
tariff is charged. If these matters /
we're properly understood politics
would be much purer, and the ballot !
would be more nearly expressive of
;he sovereign will and not be as SUBJ
'ervient to the desires of unprincipled
md selfish politicians.