St. Paul daily globe., 1896-03-08
THE WHIP CRACKS.

The air Of st. Paul has been full for
u week past of the reverberations OF
the whip lash as it circled about the
unhappy heads of those members of
the Republican party who have dared
to entertain the idea that non-partisan-
ship In municipal affairs is not like a
worsted-wOrk motto, to be hung up on
q wall, but a principle to be acted upon
when the needs OF the community re-
quire it. The political philosopher is
amused, the good citizen is disheart-
ened, as he witnesses the sudden and
agile change of base of those who
posed for reform" among the Repub-
lican brethren. They were, indeed,
caught in a sudden and dangerous
plight. For a matter Of nearly two
years, in which there was no local
election. those of them who feel obliged
to make an occasional concession to
Virtue, and to offer their tallow dip at
the shrine Of reform, have been singing
the old tune that tells of their undying
devotion to the public veal. They have
wanted to see their taxes reduced and
TO accomplish certain other objects in
which it was needful that good citi-
zens should unite, irrespective of party.
With rare JUNCTION they have enforced
the doctrine of Independent action in
municipal government, and have ex-
posed the absurdity of dividing along
national party lines in a contest where
national party issues not only could
command no Importance, but could not
even have any meaning at all. We
have heard from these conservators of
virtue, especially the Republican press.
that the great need Of a city is a
business administration, by business
men. on business principles They COW
cred themselves with virtue as with a
mantle, and their partisanship rolled
face of the blessed sun
Of sudden there arose a strange
and distressing obstacle to their happi-
ness. A number Of estimable gentle
men who have hitherto voted the Re-
publican ticket Joined themselves with
a number of estimable gentlemen who
have heretofore voted the Democratic
ticket, to make an effort to carry into
actual and effective operation these
principles which had been so unceas-
1ngly lauded. What might be the fruit
of their labors did not and has not
yet appeared; for all that they have
done was to hold meeting to consider
the possibility of sinking party issues
In st. Paul in order to bring nublic
spirit and a desire for good govern
ment to the front. What progress. if
any, they might make toward this de-
sired consummation the Republican
leaders did not wait to see. They took
the alarm on the instant; and the last
seven days have been days of un-
ceasing toll in oiling up the machine
ana getting it into perfect order to
Withstand the assaults of the enemy.
"A cat IN a nest Of mice would not
create such CONSERVATION as fell upon
the Republican camp at the mere
thought that any combination of cir
cumstances might take the city Offices
out of politics. There were copsulta-
tions and fuIminations and nrocIama-
hons; and every Republican of in
nuence has been ordered to ioin in
whipping the members of his partv into
line so that the May election NAV he
held in the good old way; with two cut
and dried tickets, made up by the
bosses in secret conclaVe some months
In advance, and the voter permitted
TO stay at home on election day if he
cannot find that the party candidates
are either of them to his liking. Not
an invasion by Great Britain or a.
defiance from Spain could have stirred
the wrath. amazement, alarm and main
that have filed the local Republican
breast at the bare possibility that there
might be such thing as an honest
non-partisan movement in st. Paul
The argument by which it is attempt
ed to defend this sudden tail-turnine
OF the party of Mr.. Facing -both-wavs
is one that unites effrontery and false
hood in equal proportions. We are.
say the Pioneer Press and the
Dispatch. as much in favor of
local reform as ever. Perish the
thought that we could ever change.
But refofm means the election of Re-
publican officials, The Republican par
ty In this city contains the brains and
the morality of the entire community
We want good men for Office; and
there being no good men outside of the