The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-11-05
THE COUNTY CAMPAIGN.

Today's final skirmshes close unusually quiet
political campaign in this county Fortified by beng al
ready in office the republican managers have not deemed
extraordinary work the defensive necessary. Tie
democratic onslaught from the outside has for some rea
son lacked the efersonian ferocty Of other days. And
the people who be perpetuated in prosperity or be
tayed into costly mismanagemen according to the view
point taken have looked compacenty without sign or
symptom of than passing interest What this may
Iertend hangs upon the count.
The republican policy of soft footed campaigning may
signify either of two existing conditions confronting that
partv It's record in county administration may be what
st considers sufficient justification for continuation IN
power Or the dish may be of sort that suffers ia
flavor by being stirred This latter view is naturally
among the democrats.
The latter have whatever advantage there is in the
open field They have ocked outside the pasture for
time and consequently there democratic footprints
visible forbidden ground officially speaking. Excep
ton may be made in regard to Mr. Mudgett AS the only
exoce holder the democratic ticket he has had
thing to talk about concerning what he has done as we'll
what he will do, etc.
As an independent newspaper The Press has no direct
charges to make against either the candidates in office
those who want get in From its observations Of
public affairs however this paper weak spots in the
present county administration which cannot be greatly
remedied by reelection of officials concerned.
The validity of democratic claims to intention and
ability to supply better material is matter to be settled
by the voter The Press would be only too glad to assist
him in choice of this kind, but to estimate the eaping
powers of frog politically speaking, until the frog has
demonstrated what he do in that line, is undertake
ing to be approached with than ordinary caution
However The Press does believe that this county
needs energetic and able prosecuting attorney devoted
10 the duties of his Office Judging from the past is diff
fcult to wherein Mr.. Barnhar republican candidate
for reelection qualities in that class The impression has
spread abroad that there is policy than prosecution
mingled with the functions Of his Office at present-and
especially at present. No specific is response
bile for this opinion 1t is founded day by day his
tory of dsmissals of and pronounced lack Of
thusasm the part of Mr. Barnhart in launching any
course that is likely to create luminosity toward him. Such
feeling is snguarly destructive to confidence that the
present prosecuting attorney of this county could mater
aize into another Folk.
OF Coroner Witter this paper has already said all it
to- 1t has yet to receive any proof that he is not
closely Connected with corporation interests and there
fore untitled for the Office
Henry Rohwers heaviest load to carry for the office
of county commissioner is his relationship to Clutch
Jake The latter stands this city and county for the
influences that have always caused trouble in political af
Hairs In other cities and counties. Not until this sort of
Influence be barred from participation in elections
to the extent Of debating in any particular can politics be
purified and made the fair and necessary function in
tended in the exercise Of popular government With the
sanction of the ward boss usually goes the corporation
demand public servants The latter requires ballots
cast without question and is the business of the boss
furnish them. Such Endorsement should be sufficient to
defeat all candidates bearing it without party con-
sideration.