The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-08-14
THE POLITICAL moss.


Is the political boss, as he exists today
necessity under our republican form of
government2 Is it possible 10 abolish or
destroy the power at present eNerted by
the political boss? If So how? a practical
Politician" of twenty-five years expert
ence considers these questions in an art-
Gle in the Independent. He reaches the
conclusion that not only is the boss not
necessity, but that he must go; that he as
menace TO the rights of the people and
TO our form of government. As TO how TO
get rid of him, that is a question upon
which opinions differ; but the power being
primarily with the people they viii take
steps 10 eliminate him just as soon as
their eyes become opened TO bis usuIpa-
ton for his own ends of the prerogatves
which belong 10 them.
Political leaders have always existed and
viii always exist. because there is need
for them as long as the people have any
control over public affairs. But there is
a vast difference between political leader
and a political boss. The former is one
WHO by his ability intelligence and honesty
of purpose and personality is able TO in
IutitS ana ulIett pubHC OpitlOu lbi 'iit
good of the people. The political boss is
never a leader of public sentiment. The
boss is the leader of a band of men who
have formed themselves into combina-
ton in order to carry out their personal
aims without regard to the interests or
wishes of the people. The boss thinks
first of himself. then of his friends, then
of the party. and last of the people. if he
finds it necessary to cater TO them in or
der 10 retain his power
The political leader has opinions on all
public matters. In the formation of these
opinions he is guided by what he conceives
TO be truth, right and justice; and he tries
TO influence the people to believe as he
does. The political boss has no opinion
on any public question, or at least 70
opinion that he is willing to express until
it has become apparent to him what the
majority of his constituents think about 1t.
The political boss expects 10 give orders
and have them obeyed, and not to be both
cred about thinking of or discussing
great public questions. The boss is in
politics for what he can get out of it. 1t
is ''our own pockets all the time" as one
of them is alleged to have said not long
ago. And the Iieuteuants of the boss are
always persons of his own kidney. Each
has some personal aim to accomplish. He
is looking for a contract, or an office, or
franchise, or something else of value,
which the boss can give him or aid him in
getting.
The political boss has become common
He is known in all parties in every state,
and pretty nearly every city in the coun-
try. The Mazet investigation in New
York is bringing out some sensational ev-
idence showing what autocratic powers a
political boss may acquire in a municipal
ity.
Upon what Is the power of the political
boss based? practical Politician" tells
the independent that it is his ability to
dictate who small be nominated or appoint
ed to various offices, to make opportunities
for favored individuals to make money, TO
control legislation. and TO promise and Sc
cure immunity to violators of the law. To
get rid of the boss, it is necessary to de-
prive him of the ability to do these things.
In short, the people must take up the
MANAGEMENT of their own affairs They
must take more interest in their politics.
They must give more attention to the
warnings of the political leaders. When
the people make up their minds that they
are tired of the bosses and mean to have
TO more of them, the legislative bodies
will quickly provide means by which they
can be got rid of.