The San Francisco call., 1896-03-07
A TRICK DENOUNCED.
A Condemnatory Editorial From al
Independent Journal.

A Condemnatory Editorial From an
Independent Journal.
OF all the newspapers that are generally
found defending the Southern Pacific it is
clear that there is one actuated by prin-
ciple. The fearless, independent and in
dignant tone of the following editorial
from the San Francisco Waue is encour-
aging to all men who take an interest in
political matters for the good of their
party and the welfare of the people:
THE VICTORY OF A TRICK.
There are some things that even a Re-
publican State Central Committee cannot
with impunity attempt to do. 1t cannot
afford 10 stoop to low cunning and deceit;
it cannot afford to father brazen false
hoods; it cannot afford to open up a
Presidential campaign with lie upon its
lips, deceit within its heart and treachery
as its watchword. 1t cannot afford to do
these things upon the opening of a cam.
paign, and at the same time hope to in.
spire confidence abroad in the integrity of
its future undertakings. These unholy at
tributes belong not to State and National
politics. They are the offspring and crea-
lures of the ward clubs in the foulest quar-
ters of the City, and should have their
abiding place only among the scum and
wreckage OF political life. Certainly they
have no place in the central political or
ganization of great National party.
We have not the slightest interest in the
political aspirations of Mr.. Spreckels, nor,
for that matter, have we any interest in
any other faction or individual of the Re-
publican party. No party boss or party
lash shall direct our policy during the COM
ing campaign, or deviate our course by a
hairs breadth from what we consider the
way of truth and honesty. 1t is our pur-
pose to exercise in these columns the func.
tions and prerogatives.of an independent
American citizen; and we shall not hesi.
tate to point out, even if found within the
ranks of the party whose ticket we may
support, the shortcomings, the wrongs
and evils which may there abide.
1t is well known that the Spreckels seek
place in the politics of California and it
is good that this is SO. 1t is we'll that
men of means and leisure should be will
ing to devote themselves to the welfare of
the country. To us it is matter of utter
indifference what ambition may move Mr..
Spreckels to enter politics. His elevation
to political office would afflict US with no
pain. He is entitled to decent treatment,
and in the councils of his party is entitled
to bear the truth from the lips of his polit-
ical associates when matters material to
the welfare of that party are at stake.
The wrong of which we complain was per-
petuated at the initial meeting of the
Republican State Central Committee. As
is well known among politicians certain
county committeeman are favorable to the
interests of Mr.. Spreckles. His enemies
sought to strip him of the power that goes
with such political control. At the last
moment before the late meeting, he was
informed that in the official notice of the
Republican National COMMITTEES calling
for the convention at st. Louis, there had
been embodied certain instructions as to
the methods to be employed in the several
States for the selection of delegates to that
convention. He was urged by his asso-
ciates to abide by the terms of the instruc-
tions issued by his party, even though in
dividually injured. With the full knowl-
edge that to do so would be to cripple his
political strength; with the knowledge that
such course would place in the hands Of