The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-01-13
SUNDAY. JANUARY Is, 1901.
TIE POLITICIANS WAY.

IT is reported in tho public print that
the friends of Congressman Swanson are
rather pleased than otherwise at the pub
lication Of the confidential letter which
he has been circulating among the party
workers in the interest OF his candidacy.
holding that it viii do him more good
than harm. Can this be tiue2 Has il in
deed come to pass that the people of Nir-
sinia are SO Indifferent TO their affairs
that they are pleased when candidate
for the office of Governor makes his APP
peal to the party workers rather than to
the people and seeks to influence men by
promising 10 remember them when he
gets into the Governors seat? If so, we
are indeed an ofiice-ridden community.
We are Got making war upon Mr. Swan
son. nor upon his candidacy. The Times
recognizes Mr.. Swansons ability and has
watched his political course with no little
interest He has Won his way into
prominent place in the politics of the
State. and we give him fun credit for his
merit But his method of seeking the
highest Office within the Gift of the State
is TO be deploreI and discouraged. 1t
s.nacks too much of bargain and sale, and
it is an attempt 10 trade upon what
should be administered as sacred trust
If Mr. Swanson's letter means anything
il means that he Will reward with State
patronage those of his licutenants who
aid him in securing the nomination.
which is equivalent in Virginia to cleo
ton Mr.. Swanson appeal is distinctly
in confidence" to the practical politi-
clans, the party workers in this section
and that. rather than To the people. Do
the people OF Virginia like that method of
seeking the Governorship of this State?
During his late candidacy for the Presi-
dcncy Mr. Nm j Bryan repeatedly said,
and with emphasis, that if he should be
elected he would so into the White House
under no sort OF promise or implied obi
CATION tc any man 10 give him Office.
And Governor Tyler in his inaugural adj
dress said:
/ believe in that sublime political pro-
verb: Eternal vigilance is the price of
liberty" As fitting preparation for the
exercise of such vigilance l am glad to
say here at the outset, that to whatever
duties the present calls me can bring an
unfettered, uncomnlitted, untrammeled
freedom OF thought and OF action. No
one in this Commonwealth can rise up
and say truthfully that to further any
personal ambition of my OWN l have ever
made any trade. combination, or promise,
either as to men or measures.
Nhy did these representative party
men lay stress on the fact? Because they
knew that it had become a practice in
American politics to work ones way into
office by making side deals with politl-
clans rather than by appealing direct TO
The votes of the people. II is a vicious
practice and it is at variance with well
the lnachination that politicians TOO fire.
qucntly employ 10 defeat the will of The
people. II is for this reason, and this
alone, that The Times protests against
9Ir. Swanson,s CONFIDENTIAL letter and
the method which il declares. We desire
10 bring the people of Virginia to reiiec-
lion. This is not the first time by any
means. that men have attempted to work
their way int" prominent position in Nir-
ssinia through the underground route. and
some have succeeded. Some of the news
papers. notably the Washington Post, are
intin,ating that this is the usual Way and
ihc proper way 10 seek Office, and are dis
posed 10 congratulate Mr. Swanson upon
My. We fear that il is but is it the proper
WAY? The people of Virginia must de-
eide that question FOR themselves.