The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1900-07-21

ANT VI IHdudlIHs SAlliS5slOn. I'S
only plank upon which there can
possibly be any discussion is that
relating to the maintenance Of pub
lie order, enforcement of law and
natural rights under the law, and
the only difference Of opinion that
can exist respecting that is whether
it was designed to have specific APP
plication to local situation. This
point should be decided early in the
campaign in order that there may
be neither misunderstanding nor
equiVocation.
In 1892 there was in this State
an organization known as the Min
ers' Union which arrogated to it
self the right and exercised the
function of determining who was
and who was not qualified to work
in the mines of this State. The
Republicans of Idaho at once took
issue with that organization and in
its platform of that year emphatic
ally declared, That every person has
| the right to earn an honest lining
free from interference BY any person
or organization whatsoever. In
view Of the attitude of the Miner S
Union at that time, can there be
any question as to whether or not
that declaration was designed to
have specific application? If so
what possible occasion was there
for the iteration and reaffirmation
of such a self-evident and we'll es-
tablished principle. If it had no
special significance, it was mere
platitude and Republicans do not
indulge in platitudes. To proclaim
the right of every man to earn an
honest living when there is no
where All actual or threatened in
vasion of that right would be as
ridiculous as to declare in the midst
Of profound public peace that the
State is empowered tc maintain
public order. There was occasion
for the reafirmation and proclama,
ton of fundamental principle and
the occasion was the violation Of
that principle by the Miner
| Union.
| In 1900, there was in this State
an organization known as the Dem
ocratic administration which AFRO
gated to itself the right and exer
cised the function 'of determining
who was and who was not qualifec
to work in the mines of this State
and the Republican party wa
prompt to reaf1ilm the Fundamental
principle, the right of all men tt
earn an honest living, and in orde
to make the annunciation apply t.
existing conditions the Language
, is specific. The declaration is, no
shall the right of any man to seel
and obtain employment be in any
wise Curtailed or interfered with
Coupled to this proposition is it
natural counterpart, the right Q
every man to employ whomsoeve
: he wishes to upon such terms a
: are agreeable to both. In this con
nection, it may be we'll to call al
tention to a loose use of the teri
fright" which is common. Th
:, right to do thing or to refuse t
do it rests not upon the mere will
fancy or power Of the individual
but upon recognized principles {
justice and established forms of law
: The plank in the Republican pla
form has an immediate and specif
application, and as in 1892 til
, right of the Miners Union to ope
ate a permit system was dehiet
y and held to be in violation of func
amental principles of law and libe
: ty, so in 1900 is the right of til
:, Democratic Administration to
i that thing denied. Principles al
not enunciated and affirmed by tt
Republican party simply for pu
d poses of parade. They are held S;
l. cred and any infraction of them
b resented whether the mira ction