The Saint Paul globe., 1904-10-14
REFORM 1T ALL

REFORM 1T ALL
While interest in the election in this
state is most intense as to places high
upon the ticket, there is, we think, and
there ought to be, an intention on the
part of the voters to make clean job
while they are about it. 1t is not
merely that the people are intent upon
defeating an unfit candidate for gov
ernor, but that they are properly con-
vinced of the necessity of change and
of a reform all along the line. That
such reform should be required is only
in harmony with political history in all
the states.
Wherever any one political party re-
mains too long in power, where it is
supported by majority SO large and
so steady that it need not fear re-
sponsibility to the people, abuses creep
in. The absence of uncertainty is the
opportunity of the boss. The moral
plane Of politics sinks lower and lower
and the political atmosphere becomes
surcharged with corruption. Men unfit
for Office and untrustworthy in public
life get to the front, attracted by the
certainty and ease of success; and the
prospect of an unbroken tenure of office
gives ideal conditions for building up
machine.
This is fact not of politics, but of
human nature. 1t is the valid fact be-
hind the argument in favor of "a
change" that is SO often effective in
the nation as well as in states. The
only security that a republican form Of
government has lies in it's direct and
continued responsibility to the people.
Such responsibility disappears if the
nominees Of any party, regardless Of
their own record or the acts of their
predecessors, are sure of election.
Now the record of the Republican
party in this state is not good one.
1t has been for a long time in power.
The affairs of the state need thor
ough overhauling. Serious charges
have been brought against the Repub-
lican candidate for lieutenant gov
ernor. The administration of the au--
ditor's Office during a long period of
years is a great issue in this campaign.
The present public examiner is attack
ed viciously by some of his own party
followers because he has reflected
upon it, The attorney generals office
has wavered back and forth between
public duty and party necessity. There
is not place at the state capitol
where it would not. be for the present
interest of the people of Minnesota to.
find Democrat in charge. We need
an overhauling of the records, an ac-
counting to the people and fresh
start.
This is what the present election
bids fair to accomplish: This it will
be wise in the public to insist upon.
We need a Democrat in the governors
chair and are going to see one there.
We need strong, honorable, upright
man like Mr.. Winston in the lieutenant
governors office. We need an attorney
general in sympathy with such men,
to see that their plans are not thwarted
and that the requirements of law are
enforced. We need good men in every
place from top to bottom on the state
ticket; not for the mere pleasure of an
overthrow, not for empty party tri-
umph not for revenge or persecution,
but in order, first, that the affairs of
the state may be Strengthened out;
and, second, that a sharper sense Of
their responsibility may be imposed
upon the servants of the people. 1t is
time that Minnesota gave all parties
and all oficeholders to understand that
they must deserve success if they are
to command it. A thoroughgoing and
permanent reform can be effected only
by electing the whole Democratic
ticket and that is what we believe the
people are prepared to do.
q l.