Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1904-08-08
THE IMPENDING CAMPAIGN

A political struggle is impending In
this state as well as throughout the
nation. There will be much vigor ex-
hibited In the strife and, judging from
the past. we may expect considerable
bitterness and Misrepresentation. This
the people OF Utah ought to avoid.
There IS no necessity for It, and II is
always productive of evil. There is no
excuse for falsehood even In politics.
The saying "all's fair In love and poll
ties Is untrue. II Is not fair to mis-
represent q person or party; 1t is not
wise to entertain bitterness OF spirit to-
wards either
Freedom Of opinion Is conceded in
theory by all classes of citizens and
freedom of speech and of the press rs
guaranteed by the Constitution Of each
State and Of the United States; this, OF
course, within legitimate limits. Each
party and each Individual, then, should
regard these liberties as equal to all,
and never become angry because others
differ In political views, nor desire or
attempt 10 put them in a false light.
An argument or assertion Is always
weakened IL not destroyed, by a dis
tortion OF the attitude of an antagonist.
In Utah the people are largely Of one
religious faith, but they are divided as
to political creed. Opposing parties
among them should credit each other
with sincerity, no matter how strongly
they may differ as to politics. They
should act as friends and nelghbors in
spirit, and deed, and speech, accord
ing TO every one that liberty they
claim for themselves, The custom of
burlesquelng one another ought not to
be followed as In some communities,
II discussions are to be had on the prin-
ciples OF either party or the qualihca-
lions OF any candidate. let them be con-
Quoted In fairness and without venom
and abuse Let all debate be as be-
tween friends who differ in opinion hon
estly, and who all desire at heart the
welfare OF the state and the nation.
In furnishing 10 this paper reports OF
political meetings. we desire our cor
respondents to abstain entirely from
those misleading and disgusting carl
catures that dishgure most Of the party
organs here and elsewhere. What good
purpose Is served by reporting q large
gathering OF citizens OF either party
as composed Of "a few unnfuentlal
persons chiefly children" or describ-
ing an enthusiastic assembly as "a
frost?" or trying to be funny over
serious discourses and holding up to
ridloulo utterances worthy OF deep
thought2
There win be good men, no doubt
put forward on either side of tho con-
troversy, men suitable personally for
the positions to which they are nomi-
mated. DO not try 90 besmlrch their
reputation, or whisper unfounded In
situations about their conduct Let
every candidate stand on his merits,
personally and as public officer That
which he represents IL OF course open
to public discussion and It should be
truthfully stated before II is opposed
We need good and true men In office
who viii be fit for their stations and
worthy to represent the state wherever
they ofilciate. II we get inferior men
II VIII be the fault Of the voters and
the party leaders,
Let us have a clean campaign, with
out spite, falsehood, bribery, corrup-
ton intimidation or coercion OF any
kind. AS free citizens we should think
ana act for ourselves, keeping In view
the welfare OF the State and the nation
and having due regard for the rights,
liberties and good will Of our associates
who do not see as We do az to prin-
ciples or parties. Re truthful, courte-
Gus, consderato yet firm as to our con-
victions Of right, and we will emerge
from the campaign without those feel
ings Of chagrin, regret and wounded
honor. that have followed the strife and
contention I'm some perlods OF the past.