The St. Louis Republic., 1904-10-30
HARMONY FOR REFORM.

SATURDAYS Democratic mass meeting in the Col
iseum gave accent to the unquestioned fact that
the party in St Louis is wholly in sympathy with
the exponents of reform and good government This
demonstration by the mass of the party coming fast
upon the victory of the party leaders In convention
over the corrupt element, impresses upon con-
scientious voters that their affection must rest with
the organization which openly ratities betterment
No doubt can prevail about the attitude of the st
Louis Democrats under Folk and Wells. The party
officials. the men who have guided the revolution
for purity in public Office, united to carry for
ward the work and to perpetuate good government.
The partys leaders are giving the reform officials
earnest support The mass of the party is heartily
loyal in sanctionng what has been done for the
good of the city and the community and in aiding
with enthusiasm and votes the plans for expanding
reform.
The local situation is exceptionally plain, and no
conscientious citizen can have any scruple whatever
as to how he should vote Reform is the only issue.
Therefore the duty Of every citizen is vote that
reform will proceed, spread and last Party consid
erations entirely out Of the question in cam
paign Of this importance and far-reaching signif-
canoe. The call this year s upon the civic con-
science, and any citizen, whatever his party alia-
tons or personal feelings may be- who would think
Of party or self in registering his vote would be
guilty Of disregard of his duty toward the ma
jority and the public corporation.
Since municipal reform is the ISSUE since it is the
only home ISSUE the demand Of the time is the cleo
ton Of men who are absolutely trustworthy. The
revolution Of betterment will not, everybody
derstands, be fostered by men who do not hold the
confidence Of the people. But it is certain that re-
form will be expanded and perpetuated by officials
who have honestly earned reputation as exponents
of reform Citizens have to look to nominees Of
known integrity, ability and courage.
Speaking, not from partisan, but from broad
civic standpoint, it must be said that the Demo
cratic tickets are entitled to recognition from all
voters. This is SO for several reasons: First the
Democratic tickets are composed of men who al
and Of men whose private records are guarantees Of
faithful service; second, the party leaders, in de-
feating the corrupt element, and in approving the
reform policy, have made the party patriotic Or
ganzat1on which, though political party is better
than party: third, the party leaders vigorously
supporting the exponents Of reform; fourth. the
mass Of the party Is loyal to the reform policy. On
the other hand, the opposing tickets stand for the
antagonistic elements They comprise henchmen Of
the corrupt element; they are dominated by that
element and the campaign IS against the reform
which the Democratic party represents.
Citizens ought to take all these points into con-
right now, week before the election, and
make up their minds ct once about their duty. It
Is necessary for good government that the reform
party should gain an overwhelming victory next
week. Such a victory will mark the humiliation of
the gang, and 1t viii the extension of reform
and the perpetuation Of reform in good government