Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-01-17

J; speech, or Of the press Whatever
cannot be done directly certainly
should not be done indirectly.
The effect, as you are aware, Of
making such appointments is to es-
top the papers benefited from ad-
versely criticizing the acts of either
the Congressman recommending the
appointments or the party in power
making them. In other words,
newspapers of that kind stand by
those who have. stood by them,
whether right or wrong. Moreover,
by such appointments the Govern
ment itself, through the party in
power, virtually enters into partner
ship, or an alliance, with the press.
This, surely, is not in harmony with
our form OF government, being sub
versive of the true principles, OF a
government of the people.
The press in this way is shorn of
much; of its real power in its capac-
Iitysas public servant" of the peo-
pie, and, instead of exerting itspow-
er for good, lends its influence, in
perhaps many cases, to the building
up Of political machines, in the sell
fish interests Of individuals, regard
less Of the rights of the people Ger
tainly this is not in the interests of
tgood government. Unquestionably,
an untrammelled and independent
press, is necessity ina government
like ours. Without such a pr.ss, it
is evident that inetficiency and rot
tenness in government affairs will
not be exposed. Let us then en-
deavor to have pure and free press.
These considerations being true, it
would clearly appear that. in the in
terests Of good government, such APP
pointments should not be made, as
they amount to substituting the press.
weakening its power and influence
in promoting the best interests Of
the people. In this congressional
district, and, indeed, in every dis
trict of Iowa aud perhaps of the ma
ton, the word Subsidized" is in.
scribed over the doors Of many news
paper Offices. 1t issomewhat doubt
full whether even one republican con-
gresham can be found in the whole
country, outside the large cities, who
can plead mot guilty of subsidiz-
ing the press III this way, thus
contributing in a large measure to
political bossism; this being insutfer-
able under free government. Our
republic has cost too much for that
kind Of politics. 1t is one way of
undermining the foundation Of the
Republic. In the interests OF the
people, is it not high time to call a
halts 80
The people are greater than their
servants. This aphorism should be
well pondered by the servants in
these troublous days. We are in
the midst of a revolution for better
political methods and more efficient
government in city, stats and nation.
This the people are determined to
have in promoting their best inter-
ests under the Government made
and maintained by them for their
own benefit. Now if those in power
falter, or do not openly and sincere
ly, faithfully and zealously espouse
their best interests, sometime they
will be swept into the maelstrom Of
defeat as unfaithful and improbable
servants. The American people are
demanding that political. bossism bel
dethrened . -
Concluding: It is no doubt true
that the people would be delighted
in having the Representatives and
their subsidized papers publicly de-
fend the evil complained : Of, show
ing wherein 'the system" is for our
country's good. Doubtless the peo-
pie will eagerly await the answers of
their servants.
ROBERT KIss1cK.
Oskaloosa, Iowa, Dec, 1905.