Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1901-11-29
THE BANE ON FACTION
Why Republican Unity is ESSEN
tial to Party Success.


The Man For Governor.
PlttsburE. Nov. 21.--It Is a long time
since Plttsburg has had any Of its dis
tinguished sons In the United States
senate OF course, the theory is that
states and not special localities are rep
resented in the most dignifed deliber-
alive body In the world" still It Is
true that there is more or less local
pride involved in the matter, and that
this busy, populous and progressive
city would be pleased to furnish one OF
the two United States senators who
speak for Pennsylvania at the Nations
Capital It is still remembered here
that Henry w. Oliver was the regular
choice Of the party for the senatorship
twenty years ago, when a formidable
revolt was led by Hon. Galusha A.
Grow, with a resultant deadlock that
wearied out both wings OF the party
and eliminated In the election Of John
I. Mitchell, Of Tioga county, as a com
promise In that memorable contest
neither faction scored a victory, and
the outcome was keenly felt in Pitts
burg among Mr.. divers numerous
friends, who, up to the meeting Of the
legislature, had full confidence in his
election. There are those who believe
that 1t is still possible to repair the
error Of Judgment" made on that oc-
casion, and elect Mr.. Oliver to the sem
ate. What his own views on the sub
ject are l know not, but among his
friends there are many who would re-
gard his election with sincere satisfac-
tion. Mr.. oliver is deeply engrossed in
vast business projects, and may have
no taste or time for the excitement Of
active politics; nevertheless, it is true
that there would be special fitness in
having a man OF his wide industrial
knowledge represent Pennsylvania in
the United States senate when ques-
tions Of vital Importance to the COM
monwealth and to the nation are to be
discussed and disposed of. Indeed, It is
to men OF Mr.. divers practical expert
ance. industrially, that congress looks
for information in reaching a decision
on the tariff, on reciprocity and kim
dred questions which lie deep at the
foundation Of the nations stability.
Pittsburg may well cherish the desire,
therefore, to honor the man whose
bright senatorial prospects on a former
occasion we're defeated through the
baneful influence of fierce party fac
tional warfare.
THE BANE OF FACTION.
There have been a good many illus
trations OF the evils Of factionalism in
the Republican party since the notable
contest for the United States senator
ship in which both Mr.. Oliver and Mr..
Grow were defeated. The most strik-
ing Of these are found in the two cam
paigns which resultedIn the election Of
Mr Pattison for governor of Pennsyl-
vania. That a Democrat should be able
to achieve this remarkable distinction
in state whose normal Republican
majority does not fall short of quar-
ter Of a million votes, would seem in
credible were 1t not that the fact is
before our eyes, and we all know that
it is possible for history to repeat
itself in case the spirit Of faction
should be coniured up again next year
by the nomination Of a Republican
factlonal candidate for governor. This
is why the candidacy Of Colonel L. A.
watres appeals so strongly to Repub-
llcans who are not factionists and who
believe in party unity, with continued
party success. The record Of Colonel
Watres is one Of unbroken party fealty
He has never in his entire public ca
reer fomented, encouraged or abetted
factionalism in. any manner OF form,
and he stands for regularity" today,
as he has always done. but 1t is a regu-
larity that involves no surrender Of
dignity or manhood. Through all his
experience in the public affairs Of the
state as senator, lieutenant governor,
chairman Of the Republican state COM
mittee, or any other position, general
or local, that occupied his attention,
from time to time, he has been stead
fast in his devotion to the entire party
and to its highest principles. Those
who know him best can cheerfully bear
witness to this, as well as to his un-
varying courtesy, his equable tempera-
ment and his considerate regard for
the rights OF every member Of his par
ty. By nature, training and experience
he is qualified to aliay rather than ex-
cite the spirit OF faction, and in the
present political crisis this is a quality
we'll calculated to insure continued Re-
publican prestige In the state.
WHERE PATTISON COMES IN.
One hears the name Of Ex-Governor
Pattison frequently mentioned for gov
srnor in this city. and the impression
is quite general that he will be the next
Democratic candidate. OF this there
can be no doubt. He is looked upon as
the logical candidate OF his party. He
has been elected governor Of Pennsyl-
vania twice, through Republican dis
sensions, and his friends feel that the
time is ripe to put him forward again
with hopes OF success. This iH no idle
gossip. but settled Democratic con-
viction. II the Republican party
should nominate a faetionist for gov
ernor there is nothing more certain
than Mr.. PattisOn's nomination and
a repetition Of the old fight. What has
been done once can be done again, and
there is a belief in some quarters that
what has been done twice can be done
easily. Hence the sanguins spirit In
which the candidacy Of Mr.. Pattison IL
A., r,... q Fo,,r.l,