The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1896-04-11
ABOUT PARTIES.

Republican party in this state stands
for silver and protection or bolt. That
means that those Republicans have de-
termined to sever themselves from the
National organization unless they can
dictate the ST. Louis platform. There
is, perhaps, not half dozen Republi-
cans in the state who do not sincerely
wish success to this difficult undertake
ing in SO far as controlling the utter
ance of the National convention is con-
cerned, but there is unquestionably
wide difference of opinion as to what
ought to be done in case that fails.
The ultimatum of the Republicans
who take this stand, when reduced to
its actual import. amounts to a demand
for the free and unlimited coinage of
silver, because protection will Lot be a
question at issue in the National con-
VentioD. Consequently the real posi-
ton is this:-Silver or bolt. Protection
is subordinate consideration and
may, and logically ought to be, sacrilic-
ed utterely in the interest of silver. So
also is every other principle and tradi-
ton of Republieanism subordinated.
AT heart, then, as we construe it, the
silver and protection people are no
longer Republicans in the sense that
the principles enunciated in National
convention, whatever they may be, are
Republican principles. They are no
longer Republicans in the sense that
the majority ought not to submit to the
minority. They are no longer Republi-
cans in any party sense, but dissenters
claiming the law and the prophets but
lacking the power thereof. The rela-
lions of men to parties and the aims
and purposes of POLITICAL organization
are forcibly and eloquently put forth in
an editorial which appeared in the Po-
catello Tribune about February 10. 1t
states the whole case SO clearly and 10
gically that we can not resist the temp
tatiou to present a lengthy extract.
We earnestly urge a careful and
thoughtful perusal
at is the object of political party
to bring things to pass, to achieve prac-
tieal triumphs, to carry elections, to
control the course of legislation, in.
stead of merely standing still and talk
ing about its choice assortment of yir-
tues. A political party becomes strong
only in proportion to its ability to sub
ordinate the conflicting views and ten
denotes of its members to the obliga-
ton of united effort for its success.
There must be conference, solidity,
singleness of aim and action, and that
is possible only through the process of
adapting personal COntrarities to col
lective uses, and thus fixing a standard
of general obedience from which there
shall be no right or privilege of indie
pendent deviation. There was never
yet political party which distinctly
represented the abstract views of all of
its members. They are all based upon
the theory Of accommodating individual
wishes to general necessities and pos
sibilities. Concession and compromise
are essential to harmony. There is a
taclt understanding that extremes are
Ito be insisted upon and that the
few are not to dictate to the many in
any relation"
"When man identifies himself with
a party he is supposed to be willing to
abide by its rules and regulations, it's
decisions and sentiments. He does not
reserve to himself any liberty of antag-
onism. In effect, he pledges his honor
that he will not set up his individual
judgment against its conclusions, but
will give 1t his loyal support as long as
he remains in its ranks, even when it
rejects his advice or denies him favors
that he thinks he deserves. This does
not involve any sacrifice of self.respeet
or any violation of conscience. 1t sim |
ply signifies recognition of the fact
that party exists for the purpose of
giving a large number of men the Cd.
portunity to combine their votes for
the promotion of such doctrines and
policies as may meet the approval of
The majority, and that each member Of
It is in duty bound to heed its desires
when thus made known. Any other
theory would put potent organization
put of the question, and leave politics
20 the mercy of miscellaneous factions
md ambitious cOnspirators against the
public safety and welfare. Party allegi-
'nce is entirely consistent with the
pest idea of citizenship; and the states.
nan who treats it lightly is certain to
misfortune, as history testi-
les in repeated instances"
ut is all very we'll to talk about cour-
Ige of conviction and resolute adher-
nee to what one believes to be abstract
y right; but parties are not organized
o develop individual obstinacy and
elf-conceit. Their mission h one of
and not of dispersion.
which is to say that they are designed
o split differences and prevent waste ,