The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-05-16
From the Red Wing Republican.
PETTY BUSINESS.

Nobody who is familiar with Gov. Clough's
methods of campaigning and who has read
the order sent out by his friend the chief oil
inspector, attempting to dragon the entire
force Of the department into the support Of
Van SAINT will be much surprised at anything
that he says does. With an intensity OF
purpose that shows the strong motive be-
hind it. he has set out to rule or ruin the
Republican party, and such small things as
the will of the people, regard for the pro-
prieties ard decencies Of official life. or even
the ordinary amenities OF politics cannot De
expected to interfere.
The latest and probably the pettiest of all
the governors performances in this effort Is
his selection of officers to be appointed to the
volunteer regiments of the state national
guard according to their political preferences.
It is indisputable that in this time of national
uprising and patriotic fervor, when men are
sinking al lesser considerations in their love
for country, and when private ends and per-
sonal animosities are being forgotten in the
pure feeling that sways our people, the gov
ernor of Minnesota is subordinating country
and honor to the petty exigencies of an ap-
preaching campaign. 1t is the smallest bust
ness in which he has yet engaged, and one of
which the people had hardly supposed even
him to be capable
1t is charged. and the evidence supports
T.. that brave officers of the national guard
are passed over, denied and degraded in their
places and rights by Gov. Clough because they
have not Joined with the machine in its plan
to run the Republican party of the state for
its own exclusive benefit This does not rest
upon rumor or the invention of IA enemy, be-
cause the instances can be given. The gov
ernor has degraded Maj Friedrich by appoint
ing Capt Bean over his head. No reason Is
given and none can be given other than the
desire to snub and humiliate man who has
not entered into the political plans entertained
by Gov. Clough. He has left out Maj. Nc
Ministry entirely and when he remOnstra ted
the only satisfactino he received was the as
sertion by Clough that "he would show Tams
Bixby that he didn't carry Goodhue county in
his vest pocket This is the sort of gov
ernor Minnesota has in time when patriot
ism is dominating all lesser issues in nobIer
minds.
It is unnecessary to say, of course, that no
such expression as this was ever used by Mr.
Bixby any friend Of his. 1t was coined
during the last campaign by the enemies of
Gov. Clough himself when he was, relying
upon the help that Mr.. Bixby's friends could
row margin by which he was elected. 1t Is
fitting. because 1t is Characteristic Of the man,
that the abuse which was invented for men
employed against them by him himself, be-
cause they refuse to lend themselves to his
purposes. So much. and it is more than
is pleasant to say for the personal side of
vulgar attack. As to the main fact. that
stands out in the broad sunlight OF established
proof: that Gov. Clough has made his militia
appointments with reference to the approach
ing campaign. and is degrading the military
service Of Minre,ota and the patriotic devo Ion
of its sons by requiring them, as a condition
Of serving their country. to bend the knee to
him and to subscribe fervent support to the
political plans which he has in view. 1t is a
petty business, q disgraceful business; and IL
we mistake not altogether the temper Of the
people, 1t will recoil with fatal effect upon
those who have decided to insult and deny
brave men their rights in behalf CT the vicious
and insolent demands Of a political machine.