The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-12-04
THE INDEPENDENT SPIRIT.
Republicans All Along the Line Are
CuItivating Ia.

NhA hAVh9 WV 1E&
CuItivating "a.
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 servihty. Patient
and tolerant in times of emergency this
temper breaks loose when less critical
conditions permit It's safe manifesta-
ton.
Last year this independent spirit as
serted itself in the democratic party.
The domination Of Organism led thou
sands OF democrats TO revolt. II was
the most conspicuous instance since the
war OF an outbreak within the organi-
zation 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 10 make party ties set
less firmly on considerable bodies Of
voters.
The most striking feature Of the late
elections was the illustration OF this
truth. Where there was a 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-
leans 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 n 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-ffths Of his
vote was republican. Tracy was the
regular candidate; Low represented an
independent movement and impulse,
but he stood distinctly for good gov
ernment 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-
iected the plain dictates Of common
sense and patriotism.
In Pennsylvania 11G,000 votes for DR.
Swallow gave a-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 indiscreetly and Extensively up-
| dertakeu 10 flaunt his bossism over the
republican party, and IL overthrow his
control. Then, free from this thrall-
dom, IL summoned the people 20 sup
port IL in overthrowing Senator Cor
man, who represented the democratic
bossism, and the result was n victory
discrowning both relationships.
These demonstrations along an ex-
tended line will only increase the in
dependent spirit. Political leaderswill
find that 10 is necessary 20 satisfy rea-
sonable popular demands IL theywould
escape dcfeat.-Philadelphia Press.