The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1903-01-27
PARTISANSHIP VS.. BUSINESS.

special delight in engaging in tumultu-
Gus strife with the officials of Crawford
county or with the leaders of the Dem
ocratic party. 1t is not pleasure to
make enemies of those who might at
least be passive friends. There is no
such joy in conflict as repays the
wounds OF the heartaches Of the fray.
q REVIEW takes such positive position s.
oftentimes to the apparent injury OF lts
friends2> Whether wisely or unwisely,
the REVIEW regards its mission se'ious-
ly. Its mission is not to be fomenter
OF strife, but it is it's mission to contrl-
butte what ii can toward good govern
ment and toward the safe and economi-
cal conduct of the affairs OF the county.
The average taxpayer consumed with
the cares of his own business, living
perhaps at distance from the county
seat, knows but little of county affairs,
except as he is informed of them
tunately OF unfortunately, the press of
the smaller towns is engrossed in local
affairs. With many the field of support
is so limited that they find it advisable
not to discuss anything bordering on
politics in their columns. Thus it hap
pens that without saying anything to
their discredit. these papers do not in
form their readers with any exactness
re, 4; mic
of an adverse or favorable character
OF the Democratic press of Denison,
but little can be expected in the way OF
fair and open criticism OF county af-
fairs Itself the greatest beneficiary of
the domination of its party in the coun-
tv, it finds, ana the ordinary logic of
the bread and butter side of life would
uphold its finding, that it is obliged to
defend. in public at least, any action of
its Democratic supporters. Thus with
out any egotism, without any special
desire, it evolves, that if the people of
the county are to be generally advised
of the actions of county officials, if any
CT ticisms are to be INDUCED, it must be
through the columns of the REVIEW.
1t is curious how strong are the polit-
ical attachments of the average voter; a
Republican is apt to fly to the defence
he act of a Republican, where he
0rc'-s~as'. first to dvnounce were a
Richnfs,2. offender. The same is
care of il Democratic friends. The
N. H.sild urge that there is in
returnedtle of political Importance
Mr.. a,gement of our county at
from tlnould all be interested III
and littty business transacted not
ahsenc,ly but with capacity and
-, ment, without favoritism,
/, M. lvoritism is at the expense of
- -er, and with the same sound
rinciples which must char
y. very successful institution
fill thriyata ~ n,7blic
day e -
--... p shout for party victory
after, lection. Welike to feel that
we havezA7on, that we have had share
in the victory and it is this feeling-the
exultation OF victa-.Y ~ the determines
ton bred Py asteav winch is largely re-
sponsible for the continuance of party
spirit and party government
After all is said and done however,
after the torches have burned ont, after
the bands are still and the bets are paid,
the fact remains that we are interested
alike in the acts of those elected at the
polls.
While parties may be divided On ques-
tions of finance, on tariffs, on suffrage,
all are united in their platform of prin-
ciples concerning local affairs Honesty,
capacity, economy, these embrace all
there is in either party platform. At
first sight it would appear absurd that
with SO much in common there should
be divisive party strife in county affairs.
It would appear absurd that supervi.
sor, a recorder, or any other county
officer, should be elected or rejected &C.
cording as to whether or no he has es-
poused the cause of free silver OF high
tariff, or the taking and holding of the
Philippines. That such is largely the
case cannot be denied; that it is absurd
will be affirmed by all, save during the
few weeks preceding and including
election day
From this state of affairs it arts S
that men are often elected by party
feeling, who have no particular fitness
or qualifications for the positions they
are called upon to fill Sometimes they
are SO manifestly unfit that they are re-
jected by their own party, but such is
seldom the case and the ordinary coun-
( ty officer holds his place unquestoned
untilsome stronger rival Gusts him from
his seat.
Going back once more to that com