Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1897-06-11

io.de is to consider the question of can
didates, and this latter labor after all is
the more important. It is sometimes
a matter of policy as to when
the State convention should be
held, for in fixing the date thereof
the question Of having long or short
campaign is decided, but it is always i'm
portant that good candidates should be
selected. Public offices are public
trusts, and only those should fill them
who measure fully up to such a standard
Of respectfully as will command the |
confidence and respect Of the people.
However, careful conventions may
he, it sometimes happens that in
competent-bad men get into Office, but
if such is a misshance the people over
look the mistake in a party. bat if he
party managers 60 to work deliberately, |
regardless of warning and with their
eyes open to nominate men who are not
representative in character and intell-
gence, the party will be relegated to
the rear just as surely as night follows
day. The flush of recent victory should
not addle the brains nor should dconceit
so warp the judgment ofthe party leaders
as TO prevent their steering clear of the
danger ahead which they must see. Tie
management of the affairs of the State
BY the Republicans SO far has not been
free from criticism. 1t savors much Of
the conduct of the Democratic party
when in power which disguised the peo-
pie and brought about its dis
astrious overthrow. But the answer to
this charge is that the hope of success at
the time the nominations were made was
so slim that that scrutiny was not made
Of the character and fitness of candidates
that would otherwise have been done.
The excuse given is plausible and
public sentiment to a large extent seems
willing to accept it, but it will not do
agaia. Circumstances are altogether
different. We are in power, have am
pie time and every facility to select good
material for ali the important Offices to
be filed and let us do it. 1t must be
done. Independent aid is at hand and
ready to help US. The power of the
daily press Of Baltimore city is at our
command and its power is undisputed
The weight and influence itexerted in the
lelt State campaign in behalf of Repub-
liean success is still fresh in the mind
Of every one. If apart from the whole
some desire to do right in public as well
as in private affairs is not sufficient in
censiye. good policy would suggest that
such healthy influence be not cast
aside. No clamor is made for any par
tioular man for this or that office, nor
that any special set of men shall domi-
nate and control public affairs, but the
simple demand is made-a reasonable.
proper demand-that good men b.
brought to the front. If the demand is
respected, another victory is assured
The Baltimore News has already de-
fined its position It has declared that
while the Republican management in
the State has not been all it should be.
it has been better-far better, than tn 1t
ofthe old regime, hence its supper. can be
again relied upon for the Republican
ticket if VIC do the right thing. And the
Baltimore Sun has also made clear its
position. In its issue of Tuesday under
the caption, "How the Republicans
may retain Maryland it says:
at may be well to point out to the
Republicans the way, and the only wav,
in which they can render defeat impos
sible and retain the political coatrol of
this State. Stated frankly and briefly
that essential plan Of campaign is the
nomination Of candidates representative
Of the best intellect and character of the
Republican party of Maryland. The
Republican leaders and the Republican
rank and file must make up their minds
to chose between the good and evil in
their party organization. This is not
year IN which they can afford to palter or
triAe with the question of candidates.
No halfway or compromise attitude
will satisfy public demands They can
not serve God and Mammon at one aud
the same time They must Iesolutely
throw overheard the reckless and dan |
gerous elements who have brought dis
credit upon them since their advent to
power or be prepared to be overwhelm-
ed at the polls. THIS is the plain Eng
lish Of the situation. and no thoughtful
Republican can fail to see it.
IN 1890 the Republican party had
the advantage of position. The Demo-
cratic machine had exhausted the
patience of the people, and the records
Of the bosses presented fine targets for
guns Of all calibers. They had enjoyed \
long lease Of power and the manner
in which they had abused it was patent
to all men. The Republicans on the
other hand, had been so long in the
wilderness that there was ground for
hoping that they we're wiser and better
than when they were last entrusted with 1
the control of public affairs The per-
sonal character and fitness of their minor
candidates we're concealed by their OBJ
scurity. and the State convention had S
he wisdom to nominate for Governor a
gentleman whose business and individu- O
Il reputation was above criticism. II 4