The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-04
THE INDEPENDENT SPIRIT.
Republicans All Along the Line Arc
Cultiyatfng Ii.

SO
There is growing tendency towards
independent action and voting which
political leaders and managers cannot
afford to ignore. 1t has been apparent
in the republican party for long time.
Republicanism is rooted in character
and intelligence, and they are not con-
genial soil for mere servility. Patient
and tolerant in times Of emergency this
temper breaks loose when less critical
conditions permit its safe manifesto
ton.
Last year this independent spirit as
serted itself in the democratic party.
The domination of Organism led thou
sands of democrats to revolt. 1t was
the most conspicuous instance since the
war of an outbreak within the organi-
cation which has been the most hide
bound and submissive of all parties.
But that demonstration has fostered
the general spirit of independence. and
has contributed to make party ties set
less firmly on considerable bodies OF
voters.
The most striking feature of the late
elections was the illustrations OF this
truth. Where there was direct and
unembarrassed issue between the par
ties the division ran substantially along
the old lines and did not exhibit any
marked changes. In Massachusetts, and
Iowa there were no personal or fac
tional complications, and the repub-
licans held their old majorities. There
was nothing TO demand or incite any
protest or diversion, and there was
none. The only remonstrance was on
the democratic side. and that was re-
assertion of last years independence
under a repetition of last years provo
cation.
But in other states this popular tenn
per exhibited itself in the most signal
manner. In New York more republic
ans voted for Mr.. Low than for Gen.
Tracy. Lows vote was nearly $4,000
above Tracy's, and four-fifths Of his
vote was republican. Tracy was the
regular candidate; Low represented an
independent movement and impulse,
but he stood distinctly for good gov
eminent and for the only hope Of sue
cess against Tammany. and the major
ity OF intelligent and sober-minded re-
publicans deliberately followed him
and protested against the blind and
fatuous party management which re-
jected the plain dictates of common
sense and patriotism.
In Pennsylvania 10000 votes for DR..
Swallow gave still more suggestive
illustration of the independent spirit.
Here there was no hope of success; here
there was no real battle as in New
York; there was simply deep dissatis-
faction with recent party management
and its obnoxious results. and spon-
taneous and unorganized determine
tion TO protest. In Maryland the upris-
ing was an outbreak against dictators
on both sides Senator Wellington, in
stead of wisely seeking to lead, had
most indscreetly and extensively un-
dertaken to flaunt his bossism over the
republican party, and it overthrow his
control. Then, free from this thrall-
dom, it summoned the people to sup
port ii in overthrowing Senator Cor
! man, who represented the democratic
bossism, and the result was victory
discrowning both relationships.
These demonstrations along an ex.
tended line will only increase the in
I dependent spirit. Political leaders will
find that it is necessary to satisfy rea-
sonable popular demands il theywould
escape defeat.-Philadclphia Press.