The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1898-07-15
IN STATE POLL.
TICS.

want of unity of sentiment and State
pride, which invariably means inharm-
Ony and retrogression. In California
there is cultivated a sectionalism in
State politics that is worthy of all de-
nouncement. 1t has had it repeatedly
in the "Record-Union" we inveighed
against it when it first appeared, and
we shall continue to point out its bane-
full influence. We are gratifed to see
some of the interior press again taking
up the subject, and lending their in
f1uence to break down the evil. That
this cannot be said of all the interior
press, however is much to be regretted.
The manifestation of evil is found
most conspicuously in the demand Of
certain lines of politicians, that admin
istrators of State affairs shall be chosen
from sections with reference specially
to geographical lines. With too much
success the people of sections are ap-
pealed to stand together for the prefer
ment Of this or that man because his
residence happens to be in a given sec
ton. There seems to be obliquity Of
vision as to the true purpose of Sc
lecting State servitors, namely, the
good of the whole people. In place Of
this we have appeals to local prejudices,
local pride and local rewards.
1t matters very little, indeed, whether
a candidate is from the south or the
north end of the State, from the west,
the east or the center, if in all essen
tial requirements he is fitted for the
office to which he aspires. But this fact
appears to be lost sight of, and with
the opening of each campaign we are
told by the manipulators and trimmers
that the nominations must be SO di-
vided as to placate sections, much as if
the spoils of raid were to be distrib-
uted, in order to maintain the loyalty
Of the raiders to the organization.
Counties present number of candi-
dates for single Office, enter a cam
paign of local determination, and then
come up to the State conventions de
handing" that they shall be recognized
as county claimants for political favors.
as if it really matters to the county
whether a State official shall hail from
this, that or any other section, since
his duty is to be to the whole State
and all the people thereof, and since
the discharge of the functions of his
office cannot be discriminative as to
districts or sections, if he is honest and
competent
To make California politically great
we must get away from this fad of
respective of locality and with an eye
single to capability and the highest and
best administration of public affairs.
We are we'll aware that to do this, it
will be necessary to break down a great
deal Of foolish sectional pride and dan
gerous sectional prejudice. But by per-
sistence the evil now existing can be
throttled. Until that is done State po-
litical affairs will be least beneficial to
the objects upon which they operate.
What the people need and should de-
mand Of every party making nominal
tions is the best possible material, even
if it is all found in one county or geo.
graphical section, to the total exclu-
sion of all other parts. Our sectional
divisions are more apparent than real.
They are in fact artificial, for the State
| is unit in the government of the re-
public. AS such it should stand forth
as united, harmonious and unsectional.
Until it does this, it will not command
the respect and influence in national
counsels to which it is entitled. Until
! this is accomplished We Will not have
that symmetrical harmonious and eff
| cient service for the State which the
common good and common prosperity
demand.