The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-01-04
PARTY AND SUFFRAGE QUALIFICA-
TIONS

PARTY AND SUFFRAGE QUALIF1CA- =
A sketch Of Colonel Thomas wentworth
Higginson, in the New England Magazine,
represents that sturdy old patriot ana
uncompromising admirer of democratic in
situations as being opposed to every linz
itation of manhood suffrage. To those
who argue that an educational qual1hca-
ton for the ballot Is reasonable the COL
onel replies that it will be time enough to
consider basing the suffrage on such
qualification when it can be shown that
men of intelligence and education use
those qualities in the voting booth. He
thinks that as long as men vote bllndly
and slavishly with this or that party in
dividual fitness for the exercise OF the
franchise is of little consequence.
This arrangement of the partizanship
that follows but does not think recalls
memorable pronouncement Of Daniel
Webster, when discussing the annexation
of Texas. II proposed MEANS said
Webster, reviewing his opposition to an
neXation, ''for exciting public attention to
the question of annexation before 1t
should have become a party question; for
I had learned that, when any topic be-
comes party question, it is in vain to ar
que for it."
The strongest partiZan must admit that
there is large measure of profound truth
In this statement. To make question
party question is to take it out of the
realm of discussion and debate among cit
liens, according to their individual incli-
nations and information, and make it a
question of controversy between two or
more large political bodies; all the debate
ers taking their cues from the attitude as
sumed by the party, whether with or
without their approval.
When a question becomes party ques-
Hion it's solution is more likely, often
times, to be determined by the organic
Ing ability and accretive faculty Of the
party than by Intelligent and careful ex-
animation and Judgment The voter is
asked not to decide one way or the other,
but ito join this party or that. He is made
to think that it is question of political
association that he is to consider and that
the particular Issue is in every case to
be decided for him by the party. Thus
we find in every campaign men who vote
the straight ticket of their party, even
though they disagree with it on all the
Important issues of the day. And others
who are convinced, as the campaign pro-
crosses, that the party is wrong, would
never dream either of changing political
affiliations or of voting as their judgment
dictates. Is it not true that such men,
however we'll they may be equipped with
ability, intelligence and education, are
directly using none of those supposed
preparations for the intelligent use of
the ballot?
OF course, we must have parties, and
there is much to be said, in favor Of stick
ing by powerful and able party, right
or wrong on the issue of the moment,
as long as parties are historic rather than
ephemeral. So long as they remain per-
manent organizations our government will
be a party government rather than true
republic. The ideal party would be one
formed anew to deal with each great
and paramont question as it comes up,
that most nearly represents their views.
But that is nothing but an ideal, 1t is
utterly impossible of realization in the
present stage of advancement. Men have
not enough political interest to be Great
ing every two or four years new parties
that would be effective. There would be
no organization having the numbers, the
80; +1,o loHo ;ro4 10
put through distinctive policies. . ::
But better use can be made of parties.
MANY Of the able and Intelligent men who
now keep away from politics should join
. the parties that suit them best, and seek
Ito mold party views. Those who do not
care for party work and leadership can
intently study the issues and cast their
votes irrespective of party. The number
Of the latter seems to be increasing rap
idly, and already they exert a quiet but
potent influence on party attitudes
The American Elevator and Grain
Trade, a monthly journal published at
Chicago, makes point in connection with
the prevalent car shortage, which shippers
NAY uuu IL W luelf dufduIdSe W Keep Ill
mind. 1t is presented in the course Of
a paper on Commercial Law" read be-
fore the National Hay association held al
Indianapolis last September. The article
points out that the railroad gets a char
ter, appropriates land, lays it's track
across the farmers farm, takes his best
field for depot and sidings. The farmer
raises quantity of hay, stores it in his
barn and in time offers it for Transports
ton. He is told that the railroad com
pany has no cars. In the meantime he
sees cars carrying more expensive freight
go past his door in train loads; he finds
cars are supplied at competing points
hut for his peculiar product, and un.
der the circumstances of no competition
he can get no accommod ation. The pa.
per proceeds to argue that the railroad