The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-10-09
TUESDAY. OCTOBER 3, 1900
I,DI,rIsSDEsT AMP MUGwuMP-

We have recently been discussing the IN
dependent in politics and The advantage
that it is 10 the country as wnoie 10
have a BODY of men who are not carried
into wild and extravagant excuses sim
ply because they are ordered oy tie patty
authorities to fan jnto i.ne. I'VE Fave
pointed out what we tilott-it Was SEMI
tor Hears error an decrying the "ot4'
and the efforts of tie ;ndees1 i2nts- i't'
i. should never be forgotten in discuss i!G
auestion Of this sort that theie IS . great
difference between an independent ana a
mucwump. The difference IS organic. Tor
The American policy depends primarily
upon the two parties. by whatever name
they may be called, for its direction and
control. and ii IS therefore. ofifundamenfai
Interest 10 every one 10 see that the par
ties are given the highest degree Of eff
oency ana Inspired by the beet motives
and guided by the soundest counseis-
If the ideal of the mugwump could be
obtained he would doubtless desire TO
see ali the brains ana intelligence Of the
country freed from the restraints OF I'a'ty
ana voting at viii FOR snch Il platform
or such president as the mugwumn
thought the purest or the best.
There Is his difference between the IN
dependent ana the party man, that the
independent mas only the veto power
while the party man has the right Of
initiative. The independents can leave the
Democratic or Republican party in sufii-
cent numbers TO absolutely nullify the
Democratic or Republican programme
and platform or defeat the Democratic or
Republican nominee, but the independent
has, from the very nature Of the case, 70
Platform or candidate of his own, and ihe
most serious question that confronts
fair minded voter is whether his duty
10 his country requires him TO leave h-s
party and light outside, or to stay inside
and Try to have some little say as 10 who
snail ba the candidate ana what shall be
The platfsrm.
senator H.oar stands primarily for The
principle that party allegiance should be
pu, TO the front and he points d What
he has accomplished by staying with the
Republican party in contrast 10 What he.
would have failed TO accomplish MAD he
gone after the men who haze isf1 both
parties and dwell apart IN ihe oase Ct
Abdullam.
1t Is "a very serious question Tar a;.y ere
10 decide where patriotism begins and
allegiance 10 party ceases. But there are
certain great sign posts which may not
be disregaraed. No man under ihe in
fineaee Of party organization and sale
,sance can be compelled, or should lie acid
liable. 10 vote for principle which he
believes suprersire OF s!le t'lr tnds OF his
government o. his party. Political life
tx above all Others filed With compromises
and the man who refuses to take half n
loaf because ne cannot gel al VIII, ninety
nine times oct OF a haalfed, so Without
any bread a; all.
But on the other hand the man whe,
desiring TO see MS party keep in power
vii deliberately lend the weisht Of his
influence and The added strength that
comes from each individuals vote 10 a
policy which in his heart Of hearts ne
believes 10 be absolutely and hopelessiy
wrong and immoral, is ore who las be-
,ayea his duty TO his country in the in
iesess Of his party.
History is flied wild, examples of par
s ties. 10 lees i.an men and nations. that
have ruined lhemselyes irret!iesaeiy by
seeking temporary exisedleaey at lie cost
Of fundamental right. The i;idena.sttnf.
has PLACED q great part IN American l,cii-
4 tics bat 1t has been . negative part The
deve,npment of cur country must ultimate
1y lie In the hands of li1e two great par
lies. Democratic and Republican
The Ideal Of the ,nasmanp is no; likely
10 becene the rule of political life in
America. The n,nswrun,p IS one who yacil-
1atcs from side 10 side. as caanEeablc as
weather cock. as easily influenced as
o chameleon.
The Independent is one who never
eeserts his allegiance 10 the principles of
ais party except Wien asisen 70 do 50.