The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1900-02-10
POLITICAL PARTIES COMPARED.

POLITICAL PARTIES COMPARED.
A casual glance at the political
horizon in kootenai county reveals
vast difference between the an
chorage of the political forces that
will oppose each other in the con-
test for supremacy this fall. While
the republican leaders who are
mostly federal Office holders, are
exercising themselves greatly over
their respective candidates, the sill
yer forces which won such COM
plete victory in 1898, are assuming
that there is more in the pending
struggle than the mere getting of
Offices for favorites.
In the light Of events of 1896,
when defeated candidates were re-
warded for political services by APP
pointments to snug federal posi-
tons, it is safe to assume that there
will be no lack of candidates this
fall who will willingly offer them
selves as martyrs in the vain hope
that 1900 will be repeater. 1t is
we'll known that they will put their
strongest candidates forward for
legislative honors. Gratitude to
Senator Shoup, who will be a
candidate for reelection, and to
whom they are indebted for their
present positions. demands this
sacrifice. :.
Sho,ip can expect but little from
the people of this county. Like
+: Carter Of Montana he sacrificed his
principles for the sake of control
ing federal patronage in his state
and now, like him, he must pay
the penalty. The personality of
no man in the county is great
enough to overcome the determine
ton of the bi-metallists to retire
Shoup to private life. The i'm
.portation of brothers in law of the
Glendening stripe, to look after his
political interests will not aug
ment his chances in the least. His
vote for the pending gold standard,
trust creating, currency bill will be
a fitting climax for this misrepre-
sentative of Idaho's interests. The
silver forces on the contrary have
no candidates for any Office at the
present time, and none will devel-
ope who will not willingly step
aside for harmony's sake. This in
itself is the most convincing evil
dence that there will be union Of
the silver forces of the county, or
ganized into compact body.
The campaign of 1900, the most
important in the history of the ma.
ton, has already begun. More
momentuous issues than those in
volved could not engage the atten-
ton of the American people, since
they are the very roots of free
government. Corporation control
Of money, class legislation for the
purpose of fostering trusts, i'm
perialistic ventures in the Philip
pines are issues grave and ntal.
What is to be decided at the ensu-
ing national election is whether as
cendancy of corporation power
shall be permanent or whether the
governing power shall be restored
to the people, to be exercised by
them for the equal and common
good of all.
Those who will oppose the ad-
ministration policy Of William Nc
Kinley in this county realize that it
is of the utmost moment that their
party shall win now; because; if
it is beaten, and plutocracy given
another four years in which to
strengthen itself, it may thereafter
be utterly impossible for the peo
pie through the peaceful instru-
mentality Of the ballot box ever to
emancipate themselves.
With William Bryan as stand
ard bearer it will be an easy matter
to unite all those who are anxious
and willing to fight under his ban
ner.
While the republicans are at