Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1898-11-24

The movement to abolish party con-
ventions, and nominate all officers at
caucuses, could bat result in political
chaos. 1t would practically result in
two elections, and very much smaller
percentage OF the people would actually
participate in the affairs OF govern
ment. In cities where IL is easy to get
to the polls without trouble or loss OF
time, preponderating influence would
be welded. Political parties represent
we'll defined economic principles. For
instance, the Republican party stands
for protection, sound money and equal
rights. Protection was the rallying
cry of the Republicans in 1896, and as a
result of the success OF the party wise
tariff law was enacted and the country
has been greatly benefited. Without
Republican organization, party organ
ization, free trade and free silver might
have been successful with the brood OF
attendant evils Might as well con-
duct a great business, and government
is nothing more than business, by hav-
ing no policy at all, but the hundred, or
thousand, employed in the business all
pulling in different directions to ac-
complsh the same end. Republicans
who believe the best interests OF the
country are along the lines of Repub-
lcan principles should have nothing
to do with this revolutionary move
ment st. Johns Republican.
~
Admiral Schley, who was one of our
Military Commissioners charged with
the duty Of arranging for the cvacua-
tion of Porto Rico, was in Washington
last week. He brought full report of
the work of himself and colleagues in
Porto Rico, with him, and it is now in
the hands of the president. He refuses
to discuss any of the numerous sensa-
tional stories dealing with the relations,
both personal aud official, between
himself and Admiral Sampson, but has
expressed an ardent desire TO get hold
of the man who started the story that
he was a Democrat. He said that as a
naval officer he has no politics other
than his country and does not consider
any other necessary; that his first and
paramount duty is to the administra-
tion. Secretary Long has not yet de-
cided what duty Admiral Schley will
next be assigned to, but will endeavor
TO meet the Admiral's wishes after con-
ferring with him.
~
Spain has been given until Monday,
by the United States through its peace
commissioners relative TO the Philip
pine Islands All other questions have
been settled and agreed to but the
the archipelago. The propositions
laid down in the American ultimutum
are as follows: THAT the entire
Philippine archipelago shall be coded
by Spain TO the United States
2.-That the United States shall pay
TO Spain for the islands $4,000, 900
3.-That Spain shall make a definite
response to the American ultimatum
on or before Nov %.
~
Democrats will derive some satisfac-
tion from the fact that both houses Of
the next congress, being Republican,,
the party will have to be held response
BILE for its acts-there can be no stun
bling blocks thrown in its way by OBJ
struction from the other side. The
Republican party can expand its terri
tory and favor Imperialism, and issue
bonds, and pass Dingley bills, and raise
Samhill generally, and will not be able
to plead the baby act by saying the
Democrats made as do or made us not
do IT, They will have to stand or fall
by their record. Big Rapids Herald.
~
Having failed in the election, the
Democrats have returned To their old
occupation of trying TO create dissen-
tion among the victorious Republicans
They are circulating stories to the
effect that friends OF the president are
trying TO prevent Speaker Reed being
reelected speaker of the next house.
There is not word Of truth in the
stories, aud it is as certain as anything
in the future can be that Mr. Reed
will be speaker Of the next house, UNI
less he declines To be.