Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-09-05

The. Supreme Question.
The pressing duty of twelve years ago
faces every good citizen with steadily
increasing weight OF responsibility.
We are again called to do battle for
that which we regard as the most sac
red legacy OF the founders of our great
state. 1t is our privilege, also, to once
more unite with unselnsh earnestness
TO declare and maintain our fidelity to
the best interests of all the people. AS
the lines have been drawn, we may
justly demand the most effective coop
Grafton of self-respecting and right
thinking citizens irrespective of parti-
sanship. The supreme question before
us is one which appeals to every pa
triotic instinct; is above and beyond
the real or imaginary boundaries which
ordinarily divide men in the discussion
of public affairs. 1t is the preservation,
unsullied and unbroken, of the fabric
of honest legislation and administra-
ton, with which we are concerned.
Twice the people have decided this is
sue against their wouldbe maSters-in
1882 and in 1S90-and we confidently
believe that they will thus vindicate
themselves and maintain their rights
In 1902.
The Rising Tide of Revolt.
You will pardon reference TO the fact
that in my speech OF acceptance in
1880, 1t was pointed out that all history
taught the uanger OF entruSting, even
to wise and VlrIuouS men, dictatorship
in affairs OF state; tnat in a democratic
government absolute power, the temp
tation 70 misuse which is ever present,
can only be achieved and maintained
through resort to unrepublican meth
DDS, the abuse OF official privileges and
the suppression of the popular will. 1t
was claimed on behalf OF the people of
Pennsylvania, that they had not will
ingly chosen the leadership, against a
continuance OF which they manifested
such hopeful unrest; that Iney submit
ted thereto under protest, and would
surely record their condemnation there
of at the polls. The historical fact
with which that campaign for clean
politics and honest government con-
cluded, is an inspiration for the pres
ent hour The people OF Pennsylvania
are forbearing and patient beyond all
others, slow 10 wrath and careful in
action; but when there is moving of
the mighty waters of an aroused public
sentiment it speedily becomes irresist-
able.
Integrity of Party Organization.
Political parties may properly divide
upon puDliC issues, but Inere are some
Questions tnat are common to all, and
one OF these is the integrity OF party
y
ernment 1t is OF vital Importance that
each party should be so organized and
controlled that in the event OF its sue
cess this shall mean the faithful eX-
preston OF the popular will, to be fol-
lowed by the redress OF public wrongs,
the correction OF evils OF adminlsJra-
ton, and the enforcement of true prin-
ciples. Manifestly, this cannot be when
the leadership OF party is either cor
rupt or despotic, and wherein vicious
influences are eXerted over any consid-
cradle number OF party workers. The
existence OF these vices in any party
organization must always be condemn
ed by an enlightened public sentiment.
In nearly every great city in this
country, from the reign of Iweedism,
in New York, which was brought to an
end through the dauntleSS courage and
wonderful energy OF great American
citizen, Samuel }. Tilden, whose mem
ory must. always be revered by the
friends OF good government, to the re-
cent overthrow of ruinous cabal in
the City of the Golden Gate, largely
through the righteous cooperation of
Republican citizens of San Francisco,
this impressive lesson has been taught.
Constituencies political leaders have
been sternly admonished that they cam
not with impunity continue indefinitely
to defy the moral law in the conduct of
party organizations and the adminiS-
tration OF public affairs. 1t is the i'm
perative demand of all patriotic men
that pontlcal ORGANIZATIONS shall repre-
sent and illustrate the integrity OF po-
litical faith; that they shall be con-
trolled and directed not by their worst
but by their best elements. We must
maintain this basic principle or popular
government cannot continue. Cand1-
dates for public office must be honestly
selected, without undue influence or
the use of corrupt means to defeat the
popular will. There is no abiding place
auctioneer and his subServient crea-
lures.
The Machines Defiance of the People.
1t is no wonder revolt is in the air in
Pennsylvania, when these just senti-
ments have been so openly derided;
when there have been expressions of
contempt for the power of the people as
against corrupt organization. The his
torian of our time will scarcely be-
lieve the evidence before his own eyes
when he reads the shameless declara-
tion made by~a political autocrat in
Philadelphia, a little while ago Urg-
ing his followers to renewed diligence
and zeal, and suggestively holding be-
fore all others the way to secure the
favor of the boss, he said:
The cohesive power of the organiza-
ton is offices. We have ten thousand
Office holders in this city and they are
all ours Under the present adminis-
tration no man can ret an office unless
he is loyal 70 the organization. Only
today the organization voted forty
thousand dollars for tax receipts. How
could we do that if we did not have the
office holders? If you want an office
or preferment in political life you will
have to get it through the organiza-
ton. The Office holders are the back
bone of the organization"
Under such debased code Of politi-
cal ethics, government in this country,
which the immortal Lincoln declared,
upon the hallowed field of Gettysburg,
should be 'of the people, for the peo-
pie and by the people" would be sup
planted by the political boss, with gov
ernment of office-holders, for office
holders and by office-holders. This is
the Alpha and Omega of his political
creed. With this as his motto, he lives,
bargains, trades and thrives. His in
fluence over administrative officers and
in the halls of legislation is hostile to
the interests of the people, corrupt and
debasing to the last degree. He is the
willing yet always thrifty servant of
monopoly, the well-paid lobbyist to
whose account may be charged the de-
feat of many measures demanded by
the pppDln d and the sucpaSs Of nj harS