The San Francisco call., 1898-02-12
THE PEOPLE IN POLITICS.

A IL the signs Of the times point to the conclu- { \ son that the power Of the people is to be more
 distinctly felt Tn politics this year than for nearly generation past. The importance of the money issue has to large extent broken up the old lines of party formation the old machine methods do nos wholly fit the alliances, and as result the voters of the rank and file in both parties will have more weight and direct influence in deermininp nominations and elections than for long time past
 he weakening caused in party discipline by the grouping of the people around new issues is aug Inented by the recent adoption of new methods of conducting elections. The Australian ballot and the primary law add to the general confusion in the na chnery of parties and increase the power and effect iveness of the individual vote Taken altogether the outlook IS distinctly favorable to those who desire an end of so-caled boss rule" and restoration If the practice Of the early days of the republic when all citizens went to the primaries of their respective tes took equal share in the selection of candidates and alter engaging actively in the campaign, con- cuded the duty of citizen by going to the polls and voting for the man of their choice
 Throughout the State the stirring of the people on political issues IS already noted Certain groups of men are considering the selection of candidates for GoVernor others are seeking representatives in Con- gress and, generally speaking, all are giving thoupht to the choice of their parties in making nominations for local offices
 The eager interest felt by the people in the coming campaign so early in the year is good sign. Ii is an evidence that the intend to direct the con- test from start to finish They will be at the pri naries their delegates will be at the State conven tons, they will be active in the struggle that is to fellow, and it will be genuine victory of the people that will be recorded the polls when the ballots are counted and the result announced.
 This condition of affairs is distinctly favor,b,s +o the success of the Republican party One of the most common difficulties that have confronted the nartv leaders in times past has been that of getting the full voting strength of the party to exert itself at the polls lh1s year the prospects that the voters themselves wll come to the front. All that is asked of the lead CTS IS to get the machinery of political work in order and start the movement
 An early campaign cannot be avoided The issues of the time are of vital importance to every citizen and the fact universally recognized Men may have had doubts about complex questions of tariff rates but whether the dollar to be maintained at it's pres en standard or lowered to the level of the Mexican dollar IS question whose relation to his own hus; ness every man can understand For that reason the people are eager to get at the contest and settle it. The great majority are ready to vote right now
 The duty o Republican leaders at this time there fore IS to prepare at for the organization of the rank and file by clubs otherwise and set the party machinery Tn motion that the ardor of the peonIe may have its way and the great movement beoin which in next November is to redeem California from the last vestge of Democracy, free trade and free silver, and place 1t among the States solid for protection sound money and stalwart Republicans,n
 Brecknrdge of Kentucky IS in trouble again. No body would particularly about this except that he refuses to shed any blood, and absolutely insists on shedding ink in large quantities.