Arizona weekly citizen. [volume] (Tucson, Ariz) 1880-1901, 1896-08-08
POLITICAL CONDITIONS.

One of the hardest undertakings In
the world, one that fails hundred times
ofieDer than it succeeds. is that Of esr
tablisbipg an abstract truth in politics.
The situation is almost invariably such
as compels compromise and concession.
1t is found to be impossible in the Ia
ture OF things to give direct and COM
plete effect to I'D absolute theory, prin-
ciple, or policy. The necessity OF modi-
fication stares the statesman in the face,
and will not let him march straight to
tbs end he seeks, however wise and salu-
tary it may be. He is obliged to take
account of prevailing conditions, to res
pect popular prejudices and tendencies,
TO yield little here and little there,
10 order to accomplish reasonable pro-
gress. II be could go forward in strict
obedience TO his own views and convic-
tions, his task would be comparatively
easy; bat that is just what he cannot
do, and the measure Of bis ability is
shown in the skill with which he adapts
himself to circumstances, taking whet
be can get when he gees that he cannot
get sll lie wants. When ne Is defective
ia such skill, and attempts to execute
his designs in Cd arbitrary way, he is
certain, generally speaking, to be de-
seated; his obstinacy may have the mer-
it of honesty and of fidelity to abstract
right, but it disqualifies him, neverthe-
less, for practical and effective service.
1t is all very well to gay that a man
should nsintsin his integrity at any
cost and stoutly insist upon what he
belie7es to be best for the country. but
integrity is relative term in politics,
and subject to certain limitations. That
is to say, it does not imply the duty OF
choosing given position, and standing
there with resolute indifference to the
chances of success. The philosophy of
politics makes provision for good deal
os what is called splitting the difference
for the purpose Of hsrmonizing conflict
ing interests and sentiments. But for
this convenient process, it would hardly
be possible TO reach conclusion in any
case of difficulty and Importance. There
is seldom or never such a thing as un-
auimity Of opinion with regard to pro-
posed measure or line OF action, even
among those who are in agreement as to
the main point or purpose, and il the
absence of willingness TO yield some
thing for the cake of victory no definite
results can te attained. The abstract
truth hBs to be put 10 shape that will
command general approval, or it counts
for nothing so far Is the affairs OF
government are concerned. Enterprises
of great pith and moment are not car
ried out in sudden and compulsory
fashion, but step at time. and by the
consent Of various classes and elements.
The fact is we'll known that the con-
stitution of the United States, which
we are fond OF pointing to as master
piece of political wisdom, was formulate
ed almost entirely according to the logic |
OF expedience. Abstract principles were
clipped and qualified 10 make them |
match with existing conditions-to suit
local interests and placate different
kinds of opposition. Hardly section
Of the splendid document as finally ad-
opted was an accurate reflection OF the
positive views Of the members OF the
They subordinsted their !;
opinions, more or less, TO
he desire for success. A number OF