Delaware gazette and state journal., 1897-07-22
rwo views of Republican Corruption.


rogues fall out honest men get thei-
Dues" and by parity OF reasoning we
learn that when political party be-
comes split into angry factions, the
secrets of its inner corruption are lilsely
to be revealed. This is the situation
with respect to the Republican party of
Delaware, In it's present divided condi-
tion.
The Milford Chronicle is an organ OF
the Union Republicans or Addicks fac
tion Of the party, while the Sussex Re-
publican of Georgetown ardently sup.
ports the cause OF the Regulars. These
two organs have been and still are en-
gagged In an editorial discussion OF the
correctness of their respective positions,
in the course of which some very plain
statements and decidedly honest con-
fessions" have been INDUCED in.
Thus. we find in the columns OF the
Chronicle. the assertion that tight the
devil with fire" has been the watch
word of Delaware Republicans since
1883. This is followed by story to
the effect that "then the Higgins Re.
publicans of New Castle county raised
fund, and with its laviah use in Sus-
sex county the Legislature was carried
and Anthony Higgins sent to the
United States Senate-all the result Of
a few thousand dollars used and raised
by his friends. This disclosed and un-
veiled to the Republicans the means
whereby the Democratic party retained
control of the State, and they resolved
to profit by the knowledge; but Hig-
gins failed to build up aud unity the
party and his downfall is part of his
tory. The young men of the party
were tired OF factional fghts-and de-
termined to win victory and throw the
Higgins. Massey and Bird factions over.
On this line the counties of Kent and
Sussex were almost a unit; and, ac-
cepting the conditions the Democratic
party had created, and which the Hig-
gins Republicans had successfully
worked once, they cast about for a
leader. This they found in j. Edward
Addicks, and without fatering went
ahead and won in 1894. "
Here IL story that is decidedly in
seresting, although not revelation. 1t
has been generally known, but the
Chronicles statement is in the nature
Of a frank admission of the methods
that have been adopted to build up
Republican supremacy in Delaware.
And having thus detailed the potent
influences that made the Republican
party, under its latest leadership. pow
erfui in this State, the Chronicle di.
rects this ultimatum against those Re-
publicans who resolutely resist the rule
OF Addicks, even 10 the extent Of open
revolt at elections:
Let it be known now, without fear
or favor, with patronage or in spite OF
it. that the organization of the Union
Republican party will be maintained,
until those that bolted consent TO re.
turn to those primary princiElos that
underlie tho whole political structure
the will of the people and the rule oI
the majority.
This is plain talking, and ita mean.
ing and intent arc clear. But now foi
the other side. The Sussex Republican
frankly admits that the Union Rspub
lican vote exceeded that of the Regular
Republicans at the last election, bu
claims that this was due to the lavist
use of money and the hope of patronage
1t ia no more than We expected, " i
says; "some mems only idea OF poitic
is as a means of securing some persona
benefit in the shape Of a fat Office
They work only with that object il
view and are most distinctly in il 70
what is in ii for them. This is dan
gerous element in any party. 1t is
hungry and bowling mob which it i
impossible TO satisfy, and yet alway
ready to destroy even the party itsel
in it's dissatisfaction. Tho hope of di
rect or indirect reward leads this Gle
mont into the ranks of the Union ke
publican party, and the vote thereof
as cast last election was largely pur
chased one and includes nearly ever
purchasable vote in the State of Dela
ware. This element which comprise
majority Of the Union Republica
party is weakness in itself, becaus
without the money which attracted il
it will be ready to turn and rend th
hand that fed it. but which no longe
can furnish tho means OF satisfying ii
Unsuitable greed. Without it what
left Of this mushroom party?"
What is left Of this mushroo,
party" remains to De seen, but the SUI
sex Republican claims that it will di.
intugrate as soon as it becomes appa
ent that no political pap" is to be Ii
portion. And when the members ,
that party realize this condition
affairs" it continues, ''they will +
longer claim allegiance to such howir
mockory, and will only be too glad
return to the Republican party.
fact, the exodus has already commenced
and there will soon be a grand rush
get under cover, aomo men who hay
heretofore bOen strong supporters
Addicks arc now making applicable
for office through Regular Eopublica
ehanuels, and expect to be successf
when they conclude To repudiate Al
dicks and his ambitions, Unity in Il
Republican party is very desirable, br
can only be brought about by the con
plete expulsion of ]. Edward Addick
tho original and real disturbing slemer
in the Republican party"
So, here is the situation, aH presentc