Evening journal., 1902-03-18
FUNDAMENTALS

FUNDA MENTALs
The enthusiasm of men is often
aroused by that which is narrow, when
something broader and more funda-
mental is not far to seek We witness
this in the loyalty OF men for a creed
and their utter intolerance Of points
Of minor concern. Many would so
to the stake for a non-essential who.
would balk at sacrifice to eternal prin-
ciple. This spirit now. as always, Is
wearing men out over trivialities, and
leaving little strength fm the great
battles that are worthy Of their ef-
forts.
In the church. we are apt to think
more of the success OF our little creed,
counted in numbers OF communicants
and in value Of church property, than
in the teaching and impresslng OF the
vital principles OF Christianity. In
social life we care more for the acci-
dents OF blood and fortune than we do
for innate and cultivated manlinees. In
short. we are frequently found pros
trating ourselves before a lot Of paint
ed idols. and neglect TO raise our eyes
that we may see tine stars.
Tho same rule holds In political life;
men have formed their party affilia-
tions largely through accident. such as
OF birth or environment, and candi-
dates may change, principles undergo
I lfs..t for, ufH nd rnathAHa hn
versed yet the willy politician comes
along and demands our absolute ac-
ceptance of every detail on pain Of ex-
communication.
In politics the non-essential is placed
before the essential. and party takes
precedence of tine public interest. The
success Of tho machine must not be
imperiled even though the State has
10 suffer shame, and every species OF
rascality. When party necessity is
placed above that of the welfare of the
State, public morals and tine public
purse must suffer.
If here in Delaware every citizen
would think more of the policies to bo
pursued, of the proper men to be placed
in office, and OF tho honor Of our lit
tie commonwealth. and make party
fealty n secondary consideration, we
should have better government. That
spirit would soon cause parties to be
careful I'm their methods, and wise In
their selection OF candidates. There
would be less occasion for independent
voting since party policies and candi-
dates would be less open 20 objection.
The need is slowly being met in
every State and municipality by a class
OF independent party men. They are
not mugwumps and chronic objeotors
but Democrats and Republicans WIKI
are good citizens first and party mel
afterwards. Under ordinary conditions
these men act with their parties, but
the machine must reckon with theii
combined opposition, when in eithel
party there is a fragrant disregard OF
public rights and public decency. Then
power acts as a whip. but only the
backs of the deserving receive thu
blow.
Now, let us lay aside all politlca
prejudice for one moment and be hon
4 est with ourselves. The Democratic
d reader, the Republican, or Union Re
1 publican will say that "the tirst con
I slderatlon is the success OF my party.
q Nonsense! The first consideration
n the general public welfare. That mean
# the election of honest, clean men to OF
hce-men who have ability, couple
n with backbone. II means that the
j. shall be elected on an honest and bus
It nesslike platform which they will carr
,- out. Il means that they viii be cleo
m cd honestly, or not at an, for one VIII
k. uses dishonest means to get into o
a Ace will not scrUple to use the san
le means while There. When These ide;
Sc shall be Incorporated in the policy
j. party. that party will deserve
win.
In the Republican party there hi
ng been a sitting, and IL is easy TO mea
of ure the motives and virtues Of the r
n spectivo branches. Tho Democra
k have had no such sitting; when th'
re- do. the same elements will be foun
n During the process OF agitation, IL
tn not easy to discern the conclusion, b
a it lis better that the communicating al
is corrupting elements should be broug
a TO light than continue to poison Il
as stream unseen. We have faith to /
lth lieve that Delaware will emerge fro
ms the present struggle regenerated.
rs,
be Mr.. Astor's dictum that only c'
| Iege4bred man can be a gentleman,
idh rather hard on that distinguished p'