The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-08-25
THE SACRAMENTO PLAY

of California is respectfully invited to
the Republican state convention, now
in session at Sacramento Former Re-
publican conventions have been char
acterized as being under the domination
Of bosses, cliques and rings, but never
before in the history Of politics has boss
ism held such absolute sway as that
now being witnessed at Sacramento.
In the discussion of candidates and
their chances of nomination, the state
convention, as body.of Republican citi-
gems, is entirely ignored. Its members
are not, and have not been. consulted
as to their choice for this nomination
or for that. The members Of the several
county delegations in attendance upon
the convention are ciphers whose indi-
vidual preferences are dictated and
whose votes are peddled out by the
bosses, In accordance with a prear-
ranged program.
y In the discussion Of candidates the
rank and file Of the party have not
been consulted. 1t has been immaterial
to aspiring Republican office-seekers
whether or not the sentiment Of their
party was for or against them. They
have not laid their claims for prefer
ment before the humble but honorable
Republicans Of the state and sought
their support as the sure or safe means
Of their success.
10 ha~ lv ~ no fcrv,
to the present hour the men who are
seeking to have their names enrolled
upon the Republican state ticket have
been, as they are now, kneeling at the
feet Of Republican bosses and petition
ing them for that nod which alone can
and does make them eligible as candi-
dates, and without which they cannot
hope for nomination.
The assemblage at Sacramento Is a
convention of bosses, not of representa-
tive Republicans. Boss Burns, Boss
Rainey, Boss Crimmins, Boss Kelley and
Boss Herrin called the Republican pri-
maries, through their tools elected the
delegates to the state convention, and
or a majority of them. The same indi-
viduals have selected the men to be
nominated, and it simply remains for
their innocent and helpless servitors to
ratify their clever work or be consigned
to the galley for punishment.
Major Mclaughlin and Dan Burns
may protest that they have no especial
choice for the several nominations. Sam
Rainey may close up his headquarters
in apparent disgust at the pretended
rout of his push. These and many other
gallery plays may hypnotic blind party
delegates and lead them to believe that
they are free men and in control Of the
convention. and that at last they will
have the privilege Of selecting their own
nominees. But when the voting is had
and the nominations are made, they will
find that while Dan and Sam and Martin
were packing their trunks and shedding
good-by tears. their sugar-coated pro-
gram was being swallowed with a relish
by their dupes.
The people should know that the Re-
publican farce at Sacramento was writ
ten and is being played by Dan Burns.
Mr.. Gage is the star actor. His engage
ment dates back from the time Of the
visit Of Mr. Burns to this city. Herrin
is stage manager and shifts the scenery
to present his players in catching atti-
tudes. The Republican delegates who
this biennial production may be able
to see through the paint and to detect
the false hair, but this is extremely
doubtful. Since all the world Is a stage,
they may dream they also are actors,
instead Of clowns in Mr.. Burns play of
politics, but Mr.. Burns knows better if
they do not.