Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-05-19
4 Plea Tor Political Honesty.

| are lew IOTCeluI SpedhelS
| than Theodore Roosevelt. Governor of
New York. In an admirable address
before the Independent Club, at Buff
| falo, one night this week, he discussed
The Use and Abuse Of Property in a
| lucid, thorough and most informing
| manner. directing attention to his sub
| ject in its political aspect. He declared
that he had entire distrust of the man
who was regarded as a good sort of
| fellow, but who in politics played poll
tics. Such a man attempted to cores
pond with two codes of morals, policy
| that is in all respects indefensible.
The speaker said that the temptation
of the average politician is to promise
everything TO the reformers and do
everything for the organization. He
deplored the dreadful practice of pay
ing a mean sort of homage and admir-
alton to the man who achieves success
in business or politics at the sacrifice
of principle. AS for the demagogue
class. he despised it utterly. He in
sisted that in dealing with property
and taxation legislators should display
honesty and Partially, and he con-
demned unsparingly both the politi-
clans who refused corporations justice
and those who would give them any
authority, however outrageous, in re-
turn for brides. In concluding, Gov
ernor Roosevelt said
Send men into public life who on the
one hand will be incapable of yielding
to any demagogic attack upon men
of means. merely because they are men
of means: men who Will realize now
much this country owes to the archi-
tects of its material prosperity VINO
will realize that every man in legiti-
mate business benefits not only NM
self. but benefits the whole community
in which he resides, and men who, on
the other hand. Will not be blinded by
those considera tons TO the fact that
too many men of means, too many sue
cessful men Of business, strive to bring
into public life the kinds of chicanery
bv which they have won in business
life. and make them understand tina
they will not be allowed one advantage
due TO dishonesty, due to mere smart
ness. due to anything but proceeding
along the recognized rules of morality
which we expect to see followed by
every high-minded and honorable
man
Governor Roosevelt's observations
and suggestions are sane and timely.
In the legislatures of many states and
municipal councils of many great
cities there are too many men whose
sole object is to enrich themselves cor
ruptly at the expense of the COM
munity. and of corporations seeking
privileges. These politicians are re-
sponsible for the low estate to which
office holding has fallen. Behind,
them, however, are the wealthy pro-
moters, who do not scruple to employ
brides to accomplish their purpose.
The sole remedy is for the people to be
more discriminating in their choice of
public servants. After all, the people
receive the exact quality of public SER
vice that the majority desires.
Governor Roosevelt does well to
draw attention to and denounce the
deplorable disposition of so many
Americans to pay homage to men who
have become successful through foul
methods. This trait is akin to that
which is displayed in maudlin SYM
pathy for notorious malefactors. Ii
casts the glamour Of heroism over
what is nothing less than successful
villainy. For the two parties to a leg
islative bribery there should be equal
contempt and eXecration. and they
should both be pilloried by public
opinion.
the standard Of Theodore Roosevelt.
Those who do not agree with all of his
views on public questions, do agree
that he is bravely. aggressively honest.
He speaks his mind fearlessly, and dis
dams duplicity. While thoroughly
aroused to the vicious surroundings of
politics. he is no pessimist. Earnest.
practical and appreciative of things as
they are, he is hopeful in the pursuit of
things as they should be. The dema-
gogue and the hypocrite have no use
! for Roosevelt, but the American people
admire him and his success in life,
though honorable endeayor alone,
should be an inspiration to American
youth.
| General Wheeler will deliver the
| Memorial day address before a Grand
Army post in Boston, and the mere
announcement is worth columns of.ar-
ticles proving that the North and
1 GOnth are one again.