The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-10-08
Troops seem to be needed more in New
Orleans than in the anthracite fields.
Friends and Enemies.

Writing in the London Spectator Brit
ish civilian, who has returned to England
after some years spent In the imperial
service, complains that there is not enough
bitterness and hard feeling in British pol
itics. His contention is that men can best
serve the nation in politics by having red
hot convictions and fighting for them and
against their opponents with all their vigor
and spirit He Is unable to understand or
appreciate personal friendships coincident
with political enmities. He holds that if
you think man IS politically wrong. you
must be personally against him, and that
while it is very pleasant to, be on good
social terms with the man you oppose po-
litically it is bad for the nation, because,
we infer, he thinks it tends to make them
hold their convictions lightly and as of
minor Importance.
Presumably this lover of strife prefers
the Latin to the British .or American po-
litical practice. AS rule political lines
in France divide the country into hostile
camps, between which no pleasant rela-
lions are maintained. Politics creates So
cial sets as we'll as political sorganiza tons,
and there Is nothing corresponding to the
political liberation we have in this country
Hero we SO far overlook political differ
ences that men who almost libel each
other in public addresses will sit down to-
gether at the same table with the greatest
aniability and without even any stiffness.
A complete distinction is made between
political and personal relations. The edi-
tor who will write a leading article de-
clal ing that it would be political dis
grace to elect such and such man goes
out and takes, lunch and smokes a, cigar
with his ''friend,'' and nobody is surprised.
In Washington 1t is we'll known that the
most bitter political ernnities are against
g. background of personal friendship.
President Mckinley and Senator Tillman
Of South Carolina were good friends. Till
man and Senator spooner are cronies.
Every member of congress has warm
friendships across party lines. 1t is chiefly
within the parties that political differences
mean personal differences, but that is
!, easily explained, because within the party
political differences proceed from dis
cordant personal ambitions. Two mer
aspire to the same office, no political prin-
ciples being involved, the struggle is nee
essarily personal and often bitter. In con.
gress vast amount of minor and some
major legislation, goes through on the
, basis Of good fellowship. Democratic an6
Y republican friends unite in log-rollins
q schemes, each agreeing, on account of per
, so1,al considerations, to help his friend.
q scheme with the party managers. All Owe
:. the nation the two parties are similarl!
f interviewer Business partnerships ar
i maintained successfully and cordially 70
e years by men who actively oppose eacl
$ other in politics. In consequence Of al
n this the social fabric Of the nation is no
d Jared by the fiercest campaigns. ,Beneatl
il all the buster and eafnestness there
9 friendship and common interest
e In one respect this admirable federation
e this splendid ability to separate persona
relations from politics, is carried too fal
nj It extends to political blackguards an
+ boodlers. A man who knows that an
L other is1an unworthy citizen, an officia