Middletown transcript., 1895-03-09

have been honored by the people with
the best official positions in the state.
1t reduces itself to the question of
ability and Willingness. We believe
that many Of the leading business and
Influential men Of this county know
nothing of these things, but in Kent
and Sussex the practical politician
knows far more than he will tell. With
q birthright in one county and resi-
dence of years in the other it is with
regret that candor compels such an
acknowledgment. We believe it is due
in great measure to the iniquitous-
that is the appropriate word-the
iniquitous assessment law of 1878.
To repeal that law is the first step to-
wards stamping out bribery.
The question of Mr.. Addicks
contributing to the campaign fund as
hundreds have done before him, and
the question of his contribution pass
ing through tho hands of certain friends
upon specific conditions, are essentially
| different. Who were authorized to
make conditionsp Who gave pledges3
The time has cone for plain speaking.
Let there be no further insinuati0ns Of
"treachery," etc, but let us know
where we stand. One gentleman of
the six who have cast their every bal
lot for Mr.. Addicks assures us that he
made no anti-election pledges and " 9
believe him. The same is probably
true of the other five. Mr.. Addicks is
a citizen Of the state and we know of
no law or custom which debars any
man from aspiring to the high and
honorable Office of U. s. Senator. 1t
is for the candidate to offer and the
people to choose. Mr.. Addicks is d
candidate. When or where he became
such We are not informed, but he is
candidate with votes behind him
elected by the sovereign voters of Sus-
sex county, and from New Castle
County, one adherent who is his per-
sonal friend. So far so good. But the
attitude of Mr.. Addicks and his friends
in not accepting the highest of Repub-
lican doctrines-the right of the ma
jority to rule-is the most alarming
matter in the whole situation. 1t is
a standing threat that if Mr.. Addicks
should be elected to the Senate that he
would become party boss and would
dictate the politics of the party with
out regard to minority or majority
wishes. That is the logic of his pres
ent position and it has driven from
him many thinking Republicans who
at first favored his election.
1t is pertinent to inquire the qualifi-
cation and fitness of every candidate
for Office and more especially Of one
who seeks the highest honor in the
gift of the people of any state. Our
inquiry is sincere one. What are
Mr.. Addicks' qualifications? What
are his views upon National ques, ions?
Having no other source of informa-
tinn we have turned to the estate Senti-
nel," the leading advocate of Mr.. Ad-
dicks election, and of which he is
credited with being whole or part
owner. We get only this information:
Delaware has never had within her
borders a politician who combined as
many admirable qualities las Mr.. Ad-
dicks) he is honest, he is capable, and
he is brave; he has no secrets and
consequently has never stopped to use
deceit as political force" Mr.. Ad-
dicks sis honorable, honest and coura-
geous, who is loyal alike to his state,
to his party and to his friends"
We all know that bravery, courage
and honesty are commendable qualities
but they are not sufficient of them
selves to commend a man to the people |
as U. s. Senator. Has he not other
qualifications? Hundreds of men who
never thought of being candidates for
the Senate, have those qualifications.
The Sentinel" has been closely read
with view of getting at the basis of
Mr.. Addicks' claims. We find this
assertion and it is merely an assertion:
"The future existence of party de-
pends upon the election of Mr.. Addicks
to the Senatorship." This is the
opinion of a few men but they have no
means of knowing of future results
not open to others who think differ
emily and who are just as sincere in
their opinions. There are those who
believe that the election of Mr.. Ad.
dicks means party disorganization in
New Castle county, and with this
county Democratic the state is hope
lessly lost to the Republicans.
OuO LuoAO AOlClCuSO WO 0IO |
done. The Sentinel" shrewdly made
the statement last week that "there
are now number Of shrewd observers
who would willingly bet that a vote on
the Senatorial question would result in
New Castle county in majority vote
for Mr.. Addicks. In Kent and Sussex
counties the majorities for him would
be overwhelming" How cvnning! 1t
is not the opinion of the editor but of
betting" man who acknowledges by
the ''now" that formerly the people
were opposed to Mr.. Addicks. 1t is Of
ten interesting to the parties concerned
to make losing bet with greater
gains in other directions. The articles
Of the Sentinel" are interesting if not
convincing. The fact of the matter is
Mr. Addicks has been losing rather