Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1902-12-26

Venezuela. :
We persisted in sowing the wind in
the Philippines, and now we have
fine prospect of reaping the whrlwind
in South America in the neighborhood
of Venezuela. When we grabbed the
Philippines, we gave the Monroe doc
trine its coup de grace, for it has all
along been perfectly apparent to all
who had good sense that we cannot at
the same time play the freebooter in
the eastern hemisphere and the dog in
the manger in the western. and that is
precisely what we are attempting when
we colonize in Asia and refuse the
same privilege to Europe here. WHAT'S
happening in Venezuela is only the be-
ginning of what we will have to face SO
long as we cling to the Philippines. The
rapidity with which the nations Of I,u-
rope are delivering ultimA ans to poor,
revolution cursed Ncnt.Hta demon
strates that the assault upon her is
preconccrtcd arrangement TO test the
Philippines and also endcavor to main
tain the Monroe doctrine, we>will be
compelled one day to fight all Europe
combined, which is not n cheerful pros
pect surely. This Venezuelan matter
may blow over. have no doubt it will.
It's only a feeler, Il sort of reconnois-
sance in force, to find out how far they
can so without an actual war with us.
1t looks as though we had bitten OF
more i'll Asia than we can chew.
The Department Of Commerce.
1t seems to be the consensus Of con-
grcssional opinion that among the bills
which will be passed at this session of
congress is the one creating the depart
ment of commerce. Sentiment has been
growing in it's favor for some time.
One reason for this state of affairs is
that what may be considered "a straight
that il the department of commerce is
established Hon. George Bruce Cortcl-
you, now secretary to the president,
will be the first secretary of commerce.
Mr.. Cortelyou is one Of the most popu-
lar public functionarics in Washington,
and in his difficult position, for it is
difficult position, he has discharged his
delicate and multifarious duties with
SO much tact, patience and ability as to
win golden opinions of all men. There
is no one on Uncle Sans volumiaous
pay roll who is brought into personal
contact with so many senator's repre-.
sentatives, officials, private citizens and
foreign visitors as the secretary to the
president. If Mr.. Cortelyou has ever
offended any one in the years in which
he has held that responsible position, I
have never heard Of it. That he would
make tiptop cabinet officer there can
be no question.
Primary Elections.
There is an evolution in progress in
this country as to the manner of nomi-
mating candidates for offices great and
small. People are beginning to realize
the important fact that political reform
must originate in nominations, for SO
strong arc habit, prejudice and Wis
incrtin that practically everybody votes
for the nominees of his OWE, party, no
matter what may be their qualifications
or lack Of qualifications, character or
lack of character. Observation teaches
that to part with ones party is pain
full operation. OF course there are ex-
ceptions to this rule as TO all others.
The fear of being pointed to as Il rene
gade or turncoat has held many a man
to his political allegiance long after he
had ceased to believe in the political
tenets of his party. But all over the
land there are signs that more care is
to be taken to nominate good men and
to ascertain the will of the people in
making nominations. Evidently the old
delegate convention system is in proc
css of ultimate extinction, and it is
well. 1t was better than no organiZa-
ton at all. little better. but it is easy
to manipulate and to corrupt and in it's
results frequently failed TO represent
the will Of the people. The primary
election is the coming system. II is be-
ing adopted in some shape or fashion
nearly everywhere, and it is we'll. The
primary gives every citizen actually
what he has had all along theoretically,
Q. voice in the state, and gives every
voter at the minimum expenditure Of
time and money a chance to register his
choice of public servants.