Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-03-20
NIhCHI.I-ANIOuH KIUOhn
Obstacles TO Harmony.

Beneath the events which led TO the
division Of the Republican party Of Della
ware into two hostile factions was o deep
seated principle 10 was that of revolt
ugainst the policies and practices Of
political advcniurOr who, with nothing to
commend him but an unlimited amount
Of money and q willingness 90 oxpend it
unscrupulously in the uuhemnce Of his
political ambitions, had tritoOusly struck
down majority rule and thereby deprived
the Republican party OF the just fruits
Of political victory.
In 1894 the Republican party achieved
Its first complete triumph in Delaware
One of the attendant fruits Of that victory
was a Republican Legislature and a seat
in the United States Senate. But that
Republican Legislature was unable TO
elect o Senator, and thus enjoy its triumph
TO the fullest extent, because J Edward
Addicks. with six at first, and at the end
only four members of the Legislature
behind him. held ont for"Addiclss or no.
body, which selfish policy he has pursued
20 this day, in respect OF the election Of
United States Senators by Republican
Legislatures, yielding only onoe-in the
hybrid compromise that resulted in the
choice Of Ball and Alice.
In 1896, Addicss, by virtue Of a lavish
use of money elected a majority Of the
delegates 20 the FIRST Republican State
Convention of that year. The Republi-
cans who resented his betrayal Of the
party at the legislative session OF the year
before, bolted the convention, and thus
WAS organized the faction that since has
been known as the Regular Republican
party. Addicks faction assumed the
name Of Union Republican party. and the
two organizations have maintained this
separate and distinct existence. coming
together ON election days, by virtue Of
compromises secured only after the most
strenuous oXcriions, with the single ox-
ooption of the campaign of 1896. when
Addicks held out and defeated the Re
publican party, thereby giving the Demo
Gratis a United States Senator solely be-
cause be could not secure the sonatorship
for himself.
Thus was implanted the principle which
kept the Regular Republican organization
in existence that of opposition to the
rule OF a political adventurer, corruptionist
and traitor
In the closing days Of the campaign Of
1904, Che compromise negotiated by the
two factions was hasod upon an under
standing in relation to the vacant senator
ship that was at stake. A bargain was
entered into by which the office was sold
TO a representative of the Regular Ropub.
lican faction. in consideration of larg,
contribution to the campaign funds Of th,
Union Republican committees Of Kent
and Sussex countics. said 10 have amounteC
70 S5S000. But when the Legislature
assembled, that costly compact was ruth
lcssly rcpudiated by the Union Republi
cans, and the "Addicks or nobody polio,
again robbed the Republican party of
United States senator.
These conditions hayo a peculiar an,
pertinent bearing upon the harmon,
proposition made by the Union Republi
can State Committee ON Saturday last
For that proposition contains no mentio
OF any agreement whcreby United State
Senator may be elected at a special sessio
Of the Legislature to be called for the pun
pose.
Therefore, It IS not conceivable that IN
commercial element Of the Regular r,
pubhcans can accept the Union Republ
can overtures without the assurance OF
Senator in hand prior to the next election
Having been shamelcssly buncoed ono
il is not likely 20 voluntarily offer itsc
as a victim a second timo.
As to the Regular Republican elemei
which is aetuated By the principle OF ol
po.ition 70 Addicl1sism and its attends
evils. 1t can consider no proposition th
does not involve the absolute eliminate,
Of Addicks and the repudiation Of all 1
works.
Il win thus be seen that the prospeo
Of absolute Republican harmony are an
thing but assuring.