Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1903-09-22
INvEcTIvB OR DIGNITY &?

On the threshold of the county CON
test Republican managers must come
to a decision on whether the campaign
is to be conducted on the basis of per-
sonal utilization of opposing candi-
dates, or common sense thoughtful
appeal to the voters. The result of the
election, IL rast history counts for any
thing. will Gepend on the decision and
consequent action on this question.
The first campaign against Wilcox
was teeming With derogatory pers IN
ality. MIR. Wilcox Immediately took It
up as good political capital and won
In the second campaign, Mr.. Wilcox's
personality vas let severely alone; the
appeal to the voters was on the higher
plane of party integrity and ability as
a whole. The Republicans swept the
Territory.
AS the lineup for the county cam
paign begins to shape up, We End re-
yival of the personality campaign that
makes votes for Home Rulers. If the
Republicans can learn anything by az
perience II Is timely for them to stop
and consider. II the party cannot win
by thoughtful earnest appeal to the
sober Judgment of the voters, 1t mas
no hope from a mud singing policy
that not only alienates the Hawaiian
American voter but disgusts the men
sChooled in Mainland party allegiance
| If the Republican party is to maintain
a high standard II must go before the
voters in the counties in the same
spirit that prevailed in the last Terri
torial contest. This year the Republic
cans have to deal with the problematic
| influence OF boilers upon the canvass.
Last year the boiling boot was on the
| Home Rule leg, which would suggest
that boiling element irrespective Of
It's individuality may sway a balance
OF power Last year the Home Rulers
announced their pleasure at being rid
of the disconnected followers, and II is
quite natural Republicans should take
the same position this year.
viii the Republican party gain by
inCCssant hammering at the boilers,
carried on at the expense of party rep
utation for decency and fair dealing in
the canvass for votes?
Whether the disaffection Of Iaukea
or Boyd gives rise to regret or amuse-
ment among Republicans, these gentle
men and their associates now connect
cd with the Home Rule party have
friends who reposc confidence in them
should 1t come to a campaign Of per-
lsUnul inveCtive and ridiCule, the ele-
mCnt OF bitterness In every mans ma
ture against what he considers unfair
attack will be aroused, and in the final
showdown friendship will exercise a
stronger power than party. This Is
particularly true of Hawaii where party
allegiance has by no means become
ingrained
The party that preserves its own
self-rospect, that has confidence enoug!
in its own ability aud strength to with.
hold from STOPPING to the tactics Of the
mudslinger. furnishes the best proc
to the voter that its candidates are de
serving the support OF all classes
among the voters.
Boyd and Iaukea. II they appear ~
candidates cannot hope for bette
yote-maklng material In their behal
than fusilade OF derTogatory person
alitics
Are the Republicans in this campaign
to promote decent politics and thu
! election Of their candidates, or is It :,
be a general mauling affair with IN,
Home Rulers, proRting by factiona
Republican fullies?