Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-06-15
TgR noon OF FEDERAL BOSSES

The Chicago Skandinaven, the lead
ing paper published in the United
States in the Norwegian language, is
among the most observing Journals,
politically, although not partisan in
politics. 1t sizes m correctly the stu
alton in Illinois and Wisconsin and
points out the danger Of permitting fed
ersl officials to boss party matters in
stead of following directions of the peo-
pie. In its issue of Thursday last it
prlEsed the following editorial:
While the dangerous tangle within
the republican ranks of Illinois was m
ravelled at last in the very best manner
that could be expected, the complica-
lions that threaten the supremacy of
the republican party of Wisconsin are
as far from a solution as ever
In either state the difficulties ere
charged to undue interference by che
so-called federal crowd" During the
contest for the gubernatorial nomi-a-
ton in Illinois the united influence OF
Senators Cullom and Hopkins, Speaker
Cannon, and other strong members of
the Illinois delegation in congress was
used to force the nomination of favor
lite of the combine Al hough it was
very plain that he was mo- the choice of
the majority of the party the federal
crowd" might have succeeded but for
the great good sense shown by the con-
vention when it became apparent that
the deadlock must be broken at once in
order to prevent defeat at the polls.
In Wisconsin both senators, the chair
man Of the republican congressional
campaign committee, (Babcock) and a
majority Of the states representatives
in the lower house at Washington united
early in the campaign to prevent the re-
nomination of the present governor.
The reasons for their opposition have
been given with commendable frank,
ness. Tney did not like the governor
or his ways and principles, although his
program has been adopted as the party
creed, and hence they were determined
to defeat him at any cost. And they
carried their warfare beyond the usual
limits of inter-party contests. While, in
Illinois, the big three and their fol.
lowers bowed with more or less grace
to the will of the majority, the federal
crowd in Wisconsin, facing an opposi-
ton majority in the state convention,
thus dividing the party into two hostile
camps and inviting defeat at the cleo
ton.
Prominent federal Office holders are
guilty of very bad taste, to say the
least. when they attempt to run eau
cuses and bulldoze conventions or or
ganize bolts. They were not elected for
any such purpose AS citizens and con-
spicuous party men they were expected
to take a keen interest in every thing
that concerns the welfare of their party,
their state or the country at large. But
If their advice and experience will carry
due weight in party councils, they err
previously when they set themselves up
as bosses in all matters. If they have
been honored by the people they must
remember that they are the servants of
the people, not their masters. When
they attempt to dictlte to the people
whom they are to nominate or not to
nominate for public Offices, or what
they are 30 say or not TO say in their
platforms, federal Office holders, what
ever may be their rank or the value of
their services, oyerstep.
The people are liable to think and act
for themselves, and they propose to do
it. They elect public officials to exc
cute their will and expect them to do
their work as faithful public servants.
If the servants try to turn masters-if
they try TO think and act for the people
aud to force their own will upon the
people, loss of public confidence and
power will be their Just reward. Only
the able and faithful servant Of the
people can aspire to popular leadership;
but no one can dictate to the people; for
they are and must be their own rulers
and their own maaters.