Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-05-31

Argus: If any additional proof were
needed by the people that venality i
at the bottom (and top of all capital
listic politics. ii is furnished by the
proceedings in the Illinois state con-
vention of the republican party. The
bargaining for public offices which a
few years ago would have been con-
tducted within the four walls of the
private Office of some party boss. is a
now a matter of common notoriety,
shamelessly promoted by the yirtuous
4 patriots. who assume to represent the
interests of the people. and in complete
disregard of public opinion. The fact.
il may truthfully be said, that outside
the socialist movement, there is no
real opinion on the subject.
There i only sordid acquiescence
or supreme Indifference to the condi-
tons fer which the capitalist masters
of the old parties are responsible. Both
these parties and their politics are
! managed with reference to the distri-
button of public powers and offices
among party henchmen in such fash
| ion as to serve individual ambition and
party supremacy. The welfare of the
| people Of the higher demands of the
state and nation meet with the small
est consideration. even none at all.
| Public offices exist as matters now
stand. as opportunities for graft to
be turned over to the minor politicians
who are in a position to deliver the
most votes of delegates sitting in
convention and claiming TO represent
the people.
4
with half dozen aspirants for Cover
nor. started on a test of physical en-
durance among the delegates to win
success for their respective candidates.
The result was deadlock. Then the
bargaining for place began. and the
men. nearest to the present incum-
bent of the white hOuse-Hopkins.
Cannon and Lorimer-with no au-
thority from the people, but actuated
solely by patriotic motives" APP
preached one of the aspirants with
proposition to withdraw, and in doing
so promised him an appointment at
the hands of Roosevelt. as United
States minister to Mexico. These
three eminent statesmen, who are
nearest to the president. who. like the
president. live upon the producers of
wealth, and who, like the president,
are Of course guided in all they do by
a consuming desire to serve the peo-
pie. opened up the political bargain
shop and stood ready to barter away
presidential appointments.
1t is one Of the distinguishing char
actcristics of patriots that they must
get something from the public crib.
Patriotism without pay is unthink-
able. Make patriotism profitable or
distinguished. and patriots multiply.
When there is nothing in it for being
patriotic, patriotism dwindles. Thou
sands of landlords throughout the
country are patriotic because there Is
revenue in il for them in Office. The
incentive to patriotism is pay, place
and power.
Socialism i against pay for any
service that il unnecessary; ii Is for
the abolition Of all such service. When
all abIe-bodied men are rendering So
cietv some necessary and useful SER
vice then graft will disappear, the
political bargain counter will be de-
moIished. the choice of administra-
tors of public affairs will he demo-
cratic. conventions VIII DE the as
scmblages of the people. and not of
despoilers of the people hypOcritically
proclaiming their virtues and their
patriotism. and then there will be an
intelligent public opinion that will be
heard and needed. The Communist
Manifesto" says that capitalistic gov
ernments are mere committees of the
ruling class.
The convention adjourned May 81,
to assemble again May 81. ten days
seemingly being considered sufficient
time in which to close the auction
and bargain counter for the lucky as
pirant. who Will simply act as chair
man of the committee (the full state
ticket of our ruling class. And ma
turally our free born American citi-
zcnS. the uncrowned voting kings of
Illinois. will elect them to position of
power on the Sth day of November.
and then grunt and grow under the
burden imposed on the workers by
orr tas kmasterS. Fellow citizens il IL
a thousand times more 20 your in
tcreSt to vote for freedom and indus
trial peace and lose. than TO vote for
perpetual commercial tyranny and in
dustrial despotism and win.
PAUL J.. HENNEBERG.