The herald., 1898-10-07
FUSION

Those who have no other rule but to
vote a straight party ticket, are in the
habit of jeerIng at fusion as if it were
reprehensible or ridiculous.
1t is remarkable how circumstances
alter cases." as the lawyer said to the
farmer who came to consult him about
the case of the OK and the bull.
The fusion of the Populists in Georgia
with the Republicans is patriotic action,
but fusion in California Of Democrats,
Populists and Silver Republicans is de-
serving of the severest condemnation.
1t all depends upon whose bull gored
the OK. In California it is the Republican
OK that is gored by fusion. and hence
Republicans affect to look on fusion with
askant eyes.
Parties are often reorganized, and
fusion is resorted to as a temporary
expedient as the primal step in bringing
together elements which have been more
or less discordant, but which have af-
finities that attract them into an ulti-
mate condition of cohesion. Fusion
leads to complete consolidation. Be-
cause men have previously acted antag-
onistically does not constitute any
reason why they should distrust each
other when questions arise in regard to
which their sentiments are in accord.
AS new questions and conditions are
constantly arising, and must be acted
on specifically, there is nothing that
should deter men of like sentiments
from uniting their voices and votes in
the accomplishment of a common OBJ
ject.
Excessive partisanism is obstructive
to all progress to the class which aids
the party in achieving power. Such at
least is the understanding Of those who
are ignorant, or are too highly preju-
diced to recognize the principle that gov
ernment is created for the impartial
benefit Of all.
There was time when the Democratic
party was denounced for it's immoderate
partisanism, and not undeservedly So,
but it is doubtful whether any party in
this country was ever so partisan as the
Republican party has become. 1t has
been drilled so long that many of Its
members repel the approach of reason.
They are ready to partake of any dish
their bosses set before them. and they
swallow undisturbed what once would
have nauseated them.
A degree of partisanism is essential to
that organized effort which is necessary
to the success of a cause, but when ex-
cessive it becomes a power in the hands
of those whose motive is other than the
promotion of the general welfare. The
lock-step discipline of the Republican
party makes it an admirable instrument
in the hands of men who are unfit to take
the lead in directing public affairs. This
has been unmistakab bly, demonstrated in
the recent history of the party, and it is
the cause of widespread detection from
it's ranks.
Relief from the domination of such
men can only be had through the fusion
of the elements which abhor 1t. That
is exactly what fusion means, and until
that end is attained there can be no
assurance of improvement in the affairs
of the nation. 1t is not the partisan, but
the intelligent and independent voter
that is the best friend of the country.
He is representative of the class which
will save our institutions from impair
ment, and ultimately from destruction.
Our political opponents need not be
alarmed about the results of fusion, ex-
cept so far as they will be deprived of the
offices. Who shall hold the offices would
be a matter of inferior consideration
We're it not that public policies are
adopted and carried into practical effect
by legislative and executive officers
Were there no essential questions in
volved the personnel of the officials would
be a matter of Indifference, provided
they We're honest, competent and faith
full. 1t is only when important prin-
cples are in Issue that fusion, or the
reorganization of parties. is practicable
or possible. Such principles are row in
issue, and the best interests of the
country are imperiled by the proposed
action of the party nationally in power.
AD