The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1905-11-11
DAY Of CIVIC REFORMS
continued from page i,

timber fraud investigations have in
the next year,"
There is peculiar situation at
this time, not only in Idaho, but
throughout the country at large. There
never was a time when there was so
little partisanship as now. The peo-
pei, who are demanding reforms, con-
tending for civic righteousness and
higher civilization, are getting TO-
gether. They are sympathizing and
getting ready to support the presi-
dent in his efforts to regulate and
bring under legislative control the
great corporate and money powers Of
the country. The land and timber
frauds in the west, the insurance
scandals in the east, the beef trust
and refrigerator car companies. the
investigation Of which has caused
such sensational proceedings, the
pOstottice ard other rascalities have
combined to cause the people to for
get political alignment and seek relief
wherever they can find 1t.
THE SQUARE DEAL FIGHT.
The president cannot secure the
reforms be is working for so Jealous
ly from members of his own party
alone, bat is depending on the aid Of
what was formerly termed the opposi-
tion. In my opinion he will not be
disappointed, but in the coming ses
sion OF congress, democrats and re-
form loving republicans will be found
working aud voting together in sup
port Of the presidents battle for a
clean government and square deal
This will mean a breaking up, at
lest temporarily, Of the strict party
alignment that has hretotore divided
the great parties.
1t is a significant fact that such
men as Cummings Of Iowa, Deueeu
Of Illinois and LaFollstte Of Wiscon-
sin. Republicans, are with the presi-
dent. while such men as johnson Of
Minnesota and Folk of Missouri,
Democrats who where elected in states
carried by Roosevelt. are working to
assist in bringing about the reforms
advocated by the president.
THE MORMON QUESTION.
There is the strongest evidence
Of political independence on the part
Of the people every where throughout
the country. Here in Idaho. we
have local fight Of so much more
importance that it far overshadovs
ali other questions. The whole Unit
cd States Is interested ia the out.
coue Of the contest which will deter
mine whether or not we are to have
an American government in this
state. The Mormons are eucroachinR
more aud more, and are saying more
openly than ever that they intend to
maintain, encourage and practice
polygamy as the foundation Of its or
ganizatiou, and to give no allegiance
TO any government save 10 the head II
the church. The coming campaign
will make that distinct issue. and
the question will be whether the
hierarchy is 10 control our govern
ment. electiHg the United States sen.
ators, congressman, governors, and
other state officers, or shall the poo
pie who love law and order. a pure
home and an hoaest administration Of
public affairs for all the people, rule
the state. The timber frauds, rate
legislation, revision u the tariff and
scuh questions will have much weight
10 determining the way the people
will vote in many places, but in
Idaho, the overshadOwing issue will
be the rights Of the people, who are
law abiding aud law respecting over
the Law breaking Mormon hierarchy.
and thus make Of the Gem state A
second Utah, disgrace 10 civiIiza-
tion. The Democratic state conven
tioD will make the issue, and one can
predict with confidence how the peu-
pie Of Idaho will meet IT, "