The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-24
Tho Real Campaign.

Tho Real Campaign.
While people are looking to the calling
Of city conventions and the nomination
Of candidates, and are speaking Of the
campaign which is then to begin, most
important campaign il already going
forward. Long before delegate is
elected much that is vital to the quail
ity OF the city government will have
been determined. The real campaign Is
under way.
1t is in this campaign that we urge
every good citizen most earnestly to
take a hand. Candidates are already
canvassing the field. Agents OF indi-
viduals and Of influences that desire to
stand close to power are at work mar
shaling forces and making combina-
tons. In large number Of cases the
candidates for Office who are named
formally when the conventions meet
viii have been selected already by the
hard work and effective representations
Of their friends.
What we are saying Is true not mere
~ Of one party but Of all. This Is the
common method Of political engineer
ing. because it is the most successful.
1t is perfectly legitimate. There Is no
reason why a man who desires Office.
or his friends, should not take care that
those who support him shall be
chosen to conventions instead of those
who oppose. The hard work, not infre-
quently the bulk Of the work is done
by all political organizations. old parties
and new and associations that call
themselves "nonpartisan," before the
hurly-burly Of the convention comes. It
Is part Of practical politics.
1t is here that the strength and the
weakness Of the Individual citizen as a
political factor appear. He is weak IL
he leaves all this preliminary work to
other hands. and then complains at the
last moment that his voice Is Intellectual.
He is q power for good. he is irresistible
IL he participates in the ante-election
work, talks politics with his neighbors,
enters into alliances with them to sup
port only such delegates as will stand
for good candidates and good govern
ment.
The Importance of the approaching
city election is very great. Seattle is
entering period Of prosperity and of
growth to which no limit appears. In
all this time there will be vast interests
to be considered. Our municipal facil-
tiles must be increased, our public i'm
provements must keep pace with our
advance in population and business. De-
mands for privileges must be consid-
cred and granted or denied. In every
direction we will need to have men Of
honesty and capacity in control. The
interest Of the public and the interest
of party coincide. We will be most sure
to win If we nominate good men. The
city will be most certain of a safe and
prosperous future.
1t Is for this reason that we urge I'M
ceasing diligence and untiring activity
upon the Republican voters Do not
wait either till election day or conven-
ton day to begin. Begin now. Find
out tomorrow who are being talked Of
as possible nominees for municipal office.
Learn whose friends are moving to Sc
cure him a place in the council from
your ward. Then talk to your neigh
bors. Help along any movement that
clean, reputable. competent faithful
party men. Help to stamp out any
scheme to put forward the represent
alive of any private interest, or any
man in whose integrity you cannot fully
trust. 1t all rests with you; for in this
country there is no force that can with
stand the will of the people when 1t
cares to exert itself.
This is the real campaign, to which
we summon every loyal Republican and
every good citizen. If politics in this
country are not what they might be, II
the average Of municipal governments
is low, the fault lies with the voter. He
leaves the selection of officials to those
who have an interest in and make an
occupation of II. and quarrels with the
result Of his own neglect The first
duty OF every man is to his country: no
less in peace than in war, He owes no
more to his business. no more to his
family. no more in the hour of assault
from without than he does to the COM
munity in a political campaign Now is
the time to do good. effective work. Now
Is the time when men may be named
for sfs,ce who;nsnnos BE- beaten at the.
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