The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1905-08-29
REPRESENTATIONS NOR BossIsM.

-OlfNJ ANlZAIlON. NSJ1t bOSS1SDAs
The amended rules for the forrna-
ton and government Of the Morris
County Republican Committee, have
just been printed. The upit OF the or
ganization is the individual voter ex-
pressing his preference at theprimary
meeting held on the first Tuesday of
January in each year. At that time
the Township or Ward Committee is
elected, the chairman Of which by vir-
tue Of his office becomes member OF
the County Committee. Hence the
County Committee is composed of one
representative man from each town
ship or ward. The County Committee.
for convenience in doing business is
sub-diyided into committees, but the
general committee still retains the
oversight of all business. 1t will be
seen, also, in the matter Of appoint
nents to Office the local committee
has the decision, the county commit
tee having the power to review the
action only under extraordinary cir
cumstances. From these rules it is
apparent that the cry of " bossism
that so many people raise when they
find that things do not come their
way is nearly always without founda-
tion, and always without excuse, for
the remedy is in the hands OF the peQ-
pie. The average citizen will not take
an interest in public affairs unless
there is some special reason OF great
excitement. Then there is the ques-
ton of representation of the several
sections of the county to be consid-
cred, the availability of candidates
and hundred and one other things
that make for the harmony Of the.
party and bring it victory, which must
be considered by the men who are in
close touch with the sentiment Of the
various sections, and which must be-
considered if any good is accomplished.
This is organization, not "bossism, +"
and is as essential as the proper over
sight of a business concern. The ma
chine of the party must be kept going
and in good order, a few individuals,
usually men of large affairs or exact
ing private business, have the burden
laid upon them, and having assumed
the responsibility, feel it incumbent
upon them to do the work to the best
Of their ability. To get it Through
they have to call upon Others to help
them out and find some who are will
ing. 1t is but natural, therefore,
that these men who have shown
willingness and capacity for work and
proved themselves trustworthy should
be favored for public offices, and are
supported by the committeeman. 1t
often happens, after this has been
done, that other parties who will not
do anything for the party and try to
thwart the efforts of those who are
doing the work, covet the offices and
because they do not get them raise a
cry of "bossism," and misrepresent
and sometimes vilifiy the men who
are making it possible for the party to
get any positions. All this gets very
tireSome, and there is not man
prominent in the Republican party
management in this county but who
would gladly retire from the position
he holds and be rid of the annoyance
and responsibility if he could be as
sured that the interests. of the party
would be conserved. There is a lot of
detail work in getting out election
blanks, etc, provided for by the law
and no salaried official charged with
the duty OF seeing that it is done, con-
sequently it devolyes upon the County
Committee, andias no member Of the
committee has the time to give to
the matter, or the technical knowl-
edge necessary to meet all the new
points of the law from year to year, it 1
remains for County Clerk Voorhees,
to see that the blanks are sent out
and returns are madeto meet the re-
quirements of the law, This is not a |
part Of his official duties but labor of |
love for the party.