The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1898-05-21
TANALE.

tensions of nauseating the Cald :
well public or arousing popular
displeasure, is inclined to discon-
tinue the local controversy which
during the past few weeks it has
been a party to. We did not
seek the contention, but when it
was crowded upon us we accept
ed it cheerfully and have contin
ued it with pleasure. If the OPP
position have derived less pleas
ure, it is because their success
has partaken too much of the
flavor of their cause. That trick,
which, in the past, has served a
thousand evil devices was their
sole reliance. They designed to
shield themselves from merited
rebuke behind the cry Of local
patriotism. No sooner were a
few plain statements of fact made
than distinguished gentlemen be-
gan to tremble for the veal of
Caldwell. They sought to ira
part a sacrosantic virtue to their
own persons by mingling their
names ostentatiously with public
enterprise and progressive spirit.
They hoped to perpetuate the de-
fusion that public criticism of their
acts was a reasonable invasion of
community welfare. The cry OF
gentlemen has been, not justifica-
ton, but, "see what we have done
for Caldwell! Are not our names
foremost on subscription lists"
1t is not our desire to detract in
the least from the credit due gen
tlemen for liberality, but we will
not overlook the fact that some
have turned their public display
of generosity to private profit,
and never drive a better bargain
than when appearing to make
prodigal donation. And this is
the kind of benevolence which
Clamors tor worshiptul reCOgni-
ton; which is engaged continually
in instigating highway ovations
for its own benefit and employs
rhetoricians to compose forid en-
comiums for the public press.
There is another kind of public
spirit, which, we are proud to
say, is not wanting in Caldwell. |
There are men here who contrib
ute to the public good without
parade or expectation of personal
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT; who give to the |
public because they desire the
public good with honesty and |
fidelity. If at liberty to do so we
could mention an instance in con-
nection with the county seat con-
troversy where a gentleman of
Caldwell quietly drew his person
al check for SIoo and never ask
ed or desired to have his name
known in the transaction, all
though it was a public contribu-
ton. There are no doubt num-
berless cases equally meritorious.
For such men and such acts we
have the most profound respect
and admiration, but when a man
puts his name on a subscription
list and then Immediately proceeds
to advertise himself as a paragon
of liberality, and in various ways
seeks to realize five hundred per
on the investment, we
are not inclined to view with rap
ture his pretended openness of
heart. Before finally concluding
this matter, we may touch upon
one other point. We are not UNI
mindful of methods frequently
to bolster up question
able acts or discredit public criti-
cism. Secret scandals and an
1onymous communications are
he natural weapons of weak men
ind weak causes. Personally we
are nothing about these. Our ,
private character is a matter of ,
10 value to ourself, and conse-
luently il matters nothing how /
'thers regard it. We therefore I
warn our secret detractors that
heY are engaged in an uneoual :