Gilpin observer., 1904-10-06


Governor Peabody by the Rev. Henry
w. Pinkham from the pulpit of Beth
any Baptist church last Sunday. The
Rev. Mr.. Pinkham spoke in fortnight
fashion. In no mincing manner the
reverend gentleman laid the blame for
Colorado's unsettled conditions upon
the governors head. In conclusion,
the Rev. Mr.. Pinkham declared that
he would not vote for Governor Pea
bodys reelection, and asserted that he
hoped the defeat of the Republican
leader would result in the restoration
Of the courts and the constitution to
their rightful status. The Rev. Mr..
Pinkham's sermon follows:
"The citizen of democracy is both
subject and sovereign. He helps to
make the laws which he is bound to
obey. He has voice In choosing
those who administer the public busi-
ness, and he cannot deny share Of re-
sponsibility when officials are corrupt
or inefficient. To obey the laws and
support the government-with his
money or his life itself, if there be need
is the citizens duty as subject.
To seek the enactment of good laws
and the election of upright officials is
his duty as a sovereign.
"As Christians-those who have de-
voted themselves to the advancement
Of Gods kingdom, the reign of broth
erhood on earth-we are bound to be
true to the claims of citizenship in
both its aspects. 1t is not enough
merely to be law-abiding. to pay our
taxes without evasion. and even to
hold life itself subject to the call of
country. We must also take an active
part in determining the character of
the government. We must study con-
ditions, examine legislation for those
conditions, investigate candidates for
office, be willing ourselves to hold
Office, if we can so best serve the pub
lie, and not fail on an election day to
cast ballot intelligently and consci-
entiously. Indifference to the duties
Of citizenship is dreadful evil and
hindrance to the progress of the king
dom.
"a presidential campaign is expected
to create a revival of interest in poll
tics. For about two months in every
four years the American people be-
come earnest students of political
science, with candidates and party
leaders and editors as their instruc-
tors. And every such period leaves
valuable educational effects.
All Eyes Upon Colorado.
I'VE who live in Colorado have no
need of the excitement of presiden-
tial contest to rouse us to our political
duty. For us local issues overshadow
national, though, indeed. the whole
country has vital concern in the de-
plorable and unprecedented occur
enees in our state during the past few
months, on which we must by our
votes pronounce judgment at the
coming election. Those who uphold
the present industrial order and those
who seek its overthrow. the captains
Of industry and the officers of the
great army of wage-earners, the en-
ployers banded in citizens alliances
and the workingnen organized in
unions-these the country over recog
niZe the fact that Colorado is the
storm center of these social disturb
ances, which alarm the timid. but out
Of which-as men of faith affirm
there will be evolved a stable indus
trial peace, with justice to all and
special privileges to none.
Thoughtful men of every class
have their eyes on Colorado, under
standing clearly that in some respects
Governor Peabody's reelection or de-
feat will be more important and sig
nificant than President Roosevelt's.
There is no excuse for the citizen of
Colorado who at such time fails to
vote. See to it that you are registered.
"The editor of The World To-day.
Professor Shaler Matthews, a man of
comprehensive intelligence and great
sagacity in the Interpretation of cur
rent events, said recently that the real
issue before the American people is
not stated in any platform. 1t does not
divide the great parties, and cannot
now be directly voted on. 1t is:
"'Shall the conditions of life. liberty
and the pursuit of happiness in the
United States be set by the representa-
tives of the people, or by the directors
Of corporations? Are we to revert to
more or less benevolent feudalism,
or are we to remain democracy
TT is better added DR.. Matthews,
that such an issue be dealt with indi-
rectly as long as possible. since to face
1t squarely would mean a contest be-
tween those who have privileges and
those who demand more privileges.
struggle between classes which would
involve. no one can tell. how much bit
terness and danger
Thanks to Governor Peabody and
General Bell. Colorado is woefully
near just such a contest. AS nowhere
else in the country. in Colorado to-day
capital and labor, wealth and poverty
those who are conservative because
they are themselves well off-and
those who are radical because they are
bitterly discontented with their lot
these two classes are arrayed against
each other.
Many who by no means approve the
governors course feel the gravity Of
the situation deeply. and will vote for
him simply to add strength to the
forces that make for conservatism.
They think that his defeat would be
victory for the elements of lawlessness
and disruption.