Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1904-06-10
THE SO-CALLED GANG.

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THE SO-CALLED GANG.
In order that three may be no mis-
understanding in reference to the
actual condition Of the political situa-.
tion in this county when the electors
cast their votes for delegates next
Monday, the Inter Ocean desires to
give some of the inside history Of the
matter and some Of the reasons which
led to the elimination of the fractional
fights in the county. 1t is true that
an army never divides in the face of
the enemy, even though there be a
difference of opinions of the proper
tactics to pursue, the need of self
preservation will keep the forces in
tact. So it is in politics. So long
as the polite. i enemy is able to make
a determined contest. so long will the
party remain undivided. But when
the danger from the common enemy
is removed then the factions ARISE.
Men will differ in opinion in politics
and otherwise, and when they do SO
honestly, their opinions must be res
pected at least. For years party
factions have divided the republican
ranks in this county and SO bitter had
the fight become that the county was
not only becoming laughing stock
for others, but the party has beer
throwing away some of It's very best
party rights. It had become impos-
sible to have an united delegation at
almost any convention and such a
thing as an united political effort in
any particular direction was an utter
impossibility. Counties far less de-
serving with all factional matters
eliminated, secured what should go
elsewhere. Men who held positions
of honor IN legislative ard judicial
matters had their influence and import
ance diminished by the fact that they
failed to have an united party at
home, and it was evident to any mind
that few more years Of such strife
would take from tbs county all the
advantages It held in the party. See
ing this Inevitable end, those who
had formerly led the factions in thei15
fight concluded that for the good of
the party and the county, all personal
matters and differences should be!
laid aside, and the party for once
present solid front. To do this,
men sacrificed their personal feelings
on the altar of the party. The only
ones not satisfied were those who had
prospered on the fights within the
party, and who preferred to see them
continue rather then the party pros
pei. These are the political leaso MS
which led to the attelr pit at pacifca.
tion and finally to its accomplish
ment. When party IS reccg nized as
great principles Of government rather
than the means of securing office, then
will this movement be recog nized as
one far above persons and personalities.
Party has simply become greater than
men. The view is patriotic one.
But this is not all. It is fact
too we'll known to need repetition that
the factional fights in this county and
in this city have seriously affected the
business inte1es No public inn
proyment could be proposed er advo-
Gated by one faction that it was not.
Immediately set upon by the other
and denounced as a fractional scheme.
those who were in positions to secure
substantial improvements and invest
ments in the city were defeated in
their purposes because of the divided
party. These things have prevented
the increase in property valuation and
has therefore injured the best business
il terests of tne community. Men
whose property is affected. and who
are ambitious for the prosperity of the
town got the warning fac tions Of the
repnbl ican Parry together. And who
has suffered politicallya Has not the
same political results bsen obtained
without q party fight that could not
have been possible without this har-
monyg And who are dissatisfied I
Two classes. Those who have not
considered the injury that was being
wrought to the business and political
interests of the county, and who are
Just as loyal to both as those who
have been regarded as the leaders Of
factional parties. The other is COM
posed Of those who playing on the pre-
induces Of the people demand that the
So called gang be t,rned oat And
this So called gang. Who are theyY
As near as tho Inter Ocean can learn
they are the leading property owners,