The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-15
SIMPLE LOGIC.

1t should require extraordinary political acumcn
to perceive the simple logic of the Missouri situation
From the standponts Of both parties the situation a
pears TO demand politics of high. but not n difficult
and certainly not an impossible order.
There time in Missouri or in any other
State when public opinion easily gagged
there time when the narrow estimates OF
small politicians of less value to gauge 1t. Pub
lie opinion is the collective mind of Mssourians At
the present time it is fixed positive, assertve power
full and of enduring vitality. There is in Missouri
what may be called great public purpose and it is
unsuitable. The party which can turn that pur
pose to its own account is the party which will doln
nate Missouri for some years to come.
AT present the purpose is an asset OF the Demo-
cratic party. Whether 1t shall continue depends
upon the sort of politics pursued by the party. The
purpose bids fair carry the party through another
election Then it becomes incumbent upon the party
to satisfy the purpose. If successful at the polls the
party will be called upon to justify itself. An ad-
mnistration which into power upon an issue of
the proportions of the Missouri issue assumes
responsibility 1t is toward the fulilment of that
responsibility that the Democratic party order
its present preparations.
Unquestonably the purpose Of the Missouri people
will have its final expression 1t should have its
pete satisfaction in a Democratic government every
detail Of which, down to the minor offices, signifies
cleanness and competency legislature not only
pledged to reform but reformed at every point of its
composition.
In a word 1t must be a government of far higher
than average quality and capacity. Should 1t fail of
giving the fullest expression to the peoples purpose
should 1t fail of complete embodiment the purpose
which is no respecer Of partisanship except par
isanship adjusts itself to servew live on will seek
an outlet and expression in change of party IL the
Democratic party fuls expectations it practically
tnsures to itself permanency Of power The time to
reckon with future consequences is the present in the
ordering Of its leadership Its working forces and it's
working principles. For hgh-class politics the out
look is nothing short of inspiring.
From the Republican standpoint the necessity for
exceptional politics is no less immediate and mpera
tive. Something other than present conditions Of
practical politics." another arrangement and other
leaders demanded if the Republican party in Mis-
souri, would be redeemed from hopelessness. There
Is absolutely hope, promise in the situation
it now stands-no possibility.
On the other hand there is possibility in clean
ganization. in clean manipulation in adherence the
principle of public service for the pubcs sake Pub
lie confidence is the capital upon which the Republic
an party must build. In public confidence lies its
only chance and, If public confidence to avail IN
any event, the time to about securing it is now
now is the golden moment for Republican reorganiza-
ton.
In this view. good politics the part Of Republic
ans means much to the people Of Missouri whether
gains its immediate end not. The indirect iniu-
ence Of wel-organized and highly respected mnori-
ty is to promote indeed almost to insure good govern
ment. The majority, failing to provide it. must pay
the penalty of REIMBURSEMENT of rule.