The Colville examiner. [volume] (Colville, Wash.) 1907-1948, 1908-06-13


condition of the laborer; we therefore
pledge party and its members, that
when any legislation or measures are
proposed that we will ask whether it
will be benefit to the worker if it will,
wewill support it; If it will not, then we
will oppose it.
Heretofore the socialistic slogan has been Sup
port nothing but socialism" and this is still the
position of the state organization. However, the
better element of the socialist party believes in
taking some step looking toward the amelioration
of present conditions, and in Stevens county this
element has gained control. The result will be
that while the head of the ticket will be supported
as before, socialists are left free to support any
salutary measures which may come up, regardless
of the political source from which they emanate.
This strategic position which has been taken
by the socialist party of this county should be
fully needed. 1t undoubtedly means more to the
democratic party than to the republicans, for but
few measures for the public welfare come from
republicans, and the republican party can hardly
expect any support from socialists under the pro-
visions Of this new platform.
The democratic camp has been for years the
birthplace of legislative doctrines favorable to the
people, while the republican congress has been the
burial ground Since this is not matter of mere
statement but fact of record when any question
of public importance comes before the public which
must be settled between the two parties socialists
can not help but turn to democracy the only
possible hope of securing favorable legislation.
If socialists really sincere in their statements
of desired reform in this country their platform
in this county will give opportunity to show it by
vote.
The incontrovertible argument against socialists
has been that they have refused to in any manner
aid in the betterment of present conditions, but
rather rejoced in the present condition of pub
lie affairs and have used it as an argument that
nothing but an entire change to the principles of
socialism could make matters better. This stand
has kept many men out of the party, for it is
wholly unreasonable that the efforts of this life
should be entirely expended for the attainment of
things for future generations, without any SEEM
ing desire to bring better conditions to present
generations The socialist position is now modified
in this county by the statement of the platform
that legislation beneficial to the worker will be
supported. This is a step forward. The next step
will be to support men for the United States con-
gress who are pledged to protect the interests of
the people and who are known to be honest in their
endeavors to pass remedial legislation.
The only manner in which any party may hope
to see its principles placed in pratice in this coun-
try is by gaining the control in congress- The
Is Only STedI IldClOH Ill
socialists are not represented in congress- Owing
to the fight which is made by socialists against con-
gressional candidates of both parties, socialism
does not even have any friends in congress, and
the party is thus discredited in the very place
where for results it should stand best. This fact
is seemingly overlooked in the mad scramble of
the party to show it's strength with each election
man with money can make money. A party
with friends can gain friends. If the socialist
party desires to grow, it must show to the public
that it is deserving friendship that itreay desires
to accomplish good, and that it has some other
raison d'etre than the desire to endure present evil
that future generations may profit thereby, how
ever laudable that ambition may appear when print
ed on book paper and bound in full morocco.
Socialism undoubtedly has it's good points as well
as bad ones for good and bad are used as but rel
ative terms which express an individuals opinion
upon given subject. The Examiner does not at
tempt or even desire to make any fight upon So
cialism, for there are other more important mat
ters which must be considered this year. This
nation is called upon to decide whether or not it
will remain under the domination of the capital
istc class which controls congress. The session of
congress which has just closed has shown to the
world that the common peOple-the people who
produce the country's wealth-have but few repre-
sentatives in congress, and that Wall street has
many. If the public desires this changed, it may
be done by ballot this fall The admirers of
Roosevelt can not even look for any benifcent re-
suits from another republican congress, for the