Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1900-01-11
THE END IT HAS IN VIEW.


In devoting the greater portion OF its
editorial space to a so-called analysis
of the views expressed by the Inter
Mountain. the Anaconda Standard uncon- !
sciously betrays the real purpose behind
the investigation instituted at Washing
ton. 1t would have it appear on the sur
face of things hat it is %actuated only
by a lofty desire for epure politics. and
to that end alone would seek the punish
ment of a man who has sought to at
tain eminence through corrupt political
methods. But no sooner does the Inter
Mountain oncur fully in the proposition
that the guilty should be exposed and
held up to the opprobrium of the public,
and suggests the propriety of thoroughly
probing both wings of the democracy
after suspects, than the Standard flies
into a state of feverish anxiety and ner-
vously explains that the Inter Mountain
is actuated by motives Of the basest
type.
Instead Of presenting column after
column of objections to the idea of MAX
ing the investigation as thorough as pos
sible, while the committee is engaged in
the noble work Of Analysing the political
methods of the democratic party in Mon
tana, the Standard ought to have fallen
into line with the proposition N courts
ed the most minute scrutiny into the
conduct Of that VIM of the democracy
which it has the honor to represent. It
to do it's worst. 1t ought to have volun-
tarily sent it's linen to the senatorial
laundry, including it's old socks. to show
that no filthy spot defled their mmacu
late whiteness and no foul odor disturbed
the sweetness of their smell. 1t ought to
have stood like Ajax defying the light
ming. and smiled at the storm of criti-
cism that was hurled against it's invul-
nerable shield of purity and truth. But
it didn't do it.
On the contrary, it has denied he
tight VI Lie ia q SolllIIIllCSS ~ III
vestigate both sides, while it's hand is in.
1t hoarsely declares that Clark will be
choked off if he attempts to carry the
war into Africa. as it We're, and show
that there is dirt under the other fellows
%toe-nails as we'll as his own. 1t fiercely
objects to an independent criticism that
points out the political shortcomings of
each faction of the democratic party in
this state, instead of welcoming the OPP
portunity to forever set at rest these
statements insofar as it's own wing of
the right of free speech in the discus
sion of statements made by the wit
nesses for the prosecution before the
senate committee, on penalty of impeach-
ment of the motives of the critic.
When, in addition to the evidence here.
tofore given the public by Mr.. White
side, relative to the bribery charges, that
gentleman wander into new pastures
and digs up additional fuel from the peal
beds of democracy, his statements are
properly before the public for discussion
on their merits. While the oficiall,
branded slaves of each wing of the de.
mocracy must keep within the limits lait
down by the respective conspiracies tt
which they belong, and say thumb
up or thumbs down. according to tn,
programme that has been arranged TO
them, it is the p~rerogative of the inde
pendent citizen and the i%ndependen
press to criticize the exhibits of eithe
faction whenever they are of a characte
to challenge adverse comment.
Thus, when Mr.. Whiteside declares. ur
der oath. for instance, tina he and M
DAILY are merely acquaintance and nc
friends. the righteousness of the state
ment is enough to make a defunct volcau
burst forth into activity. What, the
q be expected Of the average individua
who lacks the self restraint of a defun,
volcano? Then, again. when Mr.. Whit,
side gives away the bourbon Interpret,
ton OF . lie, explaining that a misstat
ment 10 not a lie, when it is made to son
one who is not entitled to the truth, Il
eandor Of his confession invited applaus