The San Francisco call., 1899-03-25
THE NEED OF VIGILANCE.


Burns, and the majority had its way in protect
ing the reputation OF the party and the State.
When the members were all together and the eye OF
the State was upon them the light OF publicity was
material element in the strength OF their purpose
There have been some outgvings since the adjourn
ent which indicate the purpose OF Burns to continue
his campaign Of persuasion using the better oppor-
tuny OF the seclusion in which it may be carried on
II il succeed an extra session, made necessary by
some collateral emergency, may be used to effect his
election by coup We hope that the constituents OF
the members in every district will see this danger
and meet it by opposing their wishes preferences and
views OF party duty to the urgency OF this mans am
bton.
In the Republican party in every district, are men
OF influence who command the attention and respect
OF legislators. Such should make themselves felt
and should be watchiul and instant in the matter
few papers in the State have fallen into indirect lamen-
taton over Burns defeat by oucry the failure
TO elect Senator They are urging Burns upon pub
lie attention by an oficous admission that leaving the
Senatorial seat vacant the defeat OF the party
next year and OF course there follows the implication
that to fill the seat with Burns means party success
We are well assured that no man who writes such
matter believes it TO be Where in the history OF
American politics they show an instance in which
party has lost an ensuing election the result OF
leaving seat in the Senate rather than fill it
with an unfit and unworthy man? There is no such
instance. political party has always gained strength
and won victories by standing to its best ideals. 1t
was so in Oregon, and will be so always when and
where the party stands by those principles and prac
tees which commend it to the best element in the
community Go upon the streets and highways and
any place where men meet and make diligent inquiry
for Republicans who will vote the Democratic ticket
because Burns was beaten, and also for those who
would refuse to vote the Republican ticket had he
been elected When the tallies are made compare
them and see the enormous preponderance of men
wko would refuse to fight Republican battles when a
victory won is debauched to such purposes as the
election of Burns to the Senate
California has not great majority, a decided and
permanent partisan preference, either way Elections
tcre are determined by large and increasing inde-
pendent vote, which holds the balance OF power. In
1896 and 1893 this independent was cast for the
Republican ticket, which represented in its personnel
and policy what seemed these voters the best for
the public good. Let any one go among these inde-
pendent voters, who number tens of thousands and
tally the number he finds ndisposed further aid the
Republican party because Burns was beaten, and also
those who feel their confidence well placed in the
party that refused to elect him. These independents
will be found practically unanimous in their approval
of his defeat.
It is noteworthy that the influence Of the Examiner
is being used by Burns control Republican senti-
1nent That paper was in his camp throughout the
struggle at Sacramento The only way in which it
can further aid him is by brag and buster, to the
effect that failure to elect Senator gives the State to
the Democracy next year. This is being used upon
unthinkng Republicans, and is the principal capital
OF the few Republican papers which coverty support
Burns. We ask these Republicans and these papers
ii they really think the Examiner believes the election
of Burns would make the State safely Republican
next year? OF course it believes no such thing 1t
knows that the Legislature did the wisest thing in its
power do and therefore it seeks by ndirecton to
have this wise thing undone.
Let Republicans be vigilant let them support the
action and the purpose of the majority OF their egis-
Iators and thereby hold their party together and com
land the further confidence of the independent vote
of the State.