The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-25
HOIST py HIS OWN PETaRD.

In lifting our voice against the politi-
,,i machine We do not mean 20 disparage
pollticai organization. Every politicai
Marty should endeavor TO win, ana IN
order TO gain success II Is necessary 10
organize the forces. Organization is all
,ssht and the perverted political ma
chine Is an illustration OF how good
thing may be abused. But success is not
everything nor the greatest thing. NO
Marty can afford to win at the sacrifice
OF sound principles The machine puts
eucess first and all things are made sub
servient TO ii. With the machine a de-
olaration OF principle IS only a means 20
an END.
The machine has very little concern for
the good Of the people. 1t seeks hrst us
own good. and its prime object is to pro-
mote the interest of those favorites IN
whose behalf It IS worked. II is for men
not measures. II is always on the alert
and too frequently catches tho people
manning. Wherever and whenever you
nnd Il YOU find It well organized with a
cut and dried programme. and hence II
&c that IT sosoften wins against big odds,
5-ainsT the wishes Of the majority.
But the life Of every machine Is limit
cd. II goes on and on in its selfish work
until the people rise up in their indigna-
ton and put it down. History thus re-
meats itself time and again. but the ma
chine politicians do not learn lesson
They are undone by their own methods.
Tho very plan that they use in the begin
ninc so successfully, IS that whlcn
arouses the people and causes a defeat
OF the machine.
In the state OF Maryland the German
machine was tolerated until federation
ceased 10 be a virtue and men inside the
marty finally rose up in their might and
overthrow It,
In Pennsylvania the Quay machine has
become so corrupt and arrogant that a
large number OF respectable Republicans
have organized themselves in rebellion
AGAINST it. There is strong talk now OF
their uniting with the Democrats il the
forthcoming election in order 10 down
Quayism
Let Virginia profit By their example. A
terrific blow was struck at the machine
on the occasion of the late Congressional
convention in the Tenth District. While
the machine was successful in putting
one Mr.. floods friends into high ofiice
II not only failed Mr. Flood himself IN
the hour of his need. but was fhe direct
cause Of his defeat. Mr.. Flood is an IN
nuential party man, who has given mucn
attention TO public questions. is politi-
clan of experience. and during the late
session Of the Legislature is said TO have
rendered good service in holding the radi'
cal element in check.
He would have made an effective rep
resentative in Congress. above the aver
age. and we doubt not he would have OBJ
tanned the nomination he sought If hC
had not been recognized as part and par
eel of the dread political machine in Vir-
ginia.
The defeat was OF Flood the machine
man. not Flood the man and Democrat
Mr.. Flood. however. cannot be made
the scapegoat for the other members
of the achine. He is but the disciple OF
the machine school of politics in which
many leading politicians in Virginia are
his fellows. Inc school should be dis
banded and we hope it Will be, but the
fellows VIII no doubt have TO receive
some more thrashing before they viii
give up.