Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1908-09-23
No. 20.
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over for the Republican party are
no longer welcomed, even at Re-
publican headquarters. In 1896
the Democratic party rid itself of
leaders who had become unpopular
and who represented abuses and
policies which the masses of the
party rejected, and in 1905 it is
apparent that the Republican party
Is undergoing the throes of a simi-
lar transformation.
Hangers-on and attaches of the
old regime may sarcastically allude
TO Chairman Hitchcock's methods
as those of a kindergarten in
politics, but they will find the
people are heartily sick of the pro-
foundintrigues and the complicated
teachings of the past masters,
whose curriculum cOmprehends the
skllful cOmpounding of politics
and personal profit. Certificates
of ability and practice in that
school have become warrants for
suspicion and rejection by the
voters. The Republican party
must play kindergarten politics
this year. Its own members con-
denim the course of study and
practice of the senior classes.
They distrust their very ability
and fear their association.
The publicity play is now on the
boards, not only for party con-
tributions. but for personal and
political perqulsites of every ma
ture. Recent events have empha-
sized the demand for publicity of
political contributions, and the
Republican managers should COM
ply with the popular demand that
Such publication should be made
before election day.
At Is stated that Mr.. Dawes. of
Chicago, visited New York recently
to impress certain parties with the
importance of raising money to
elect Republican House of Rep
resentatives and the national ticket.
There Is nothing to be condemned
IN Mr.. Dawes mission. his aim.
purpose. or desire as a Republican
anxious for victory. No person
can find fault with Mr.. Dawes
effort to aid his party, but under
existing circumstances it is only
proper that the people be told who
contribute, the amount they con-
tribute, and where and how it is
spent. These are important and
proper items of information for
the public, and it should have this
/ knowledge before the election day.
not afterward.
If it be praiseworthy for pro-
tected interests to put up money
for Republican success. let the
people know the names of the
gentlemen who contribute, the
amount they give. and where it is
spent TO produce the desired re-
suits.
Mr.. Taft cannot afford to have
statements made after election that
party contributions we're given on
pledges that were not carried out.
He makes his pledges to the voters
and he Is 4 man who will do what
/ he says he Will do. Let himself
rid of all embarrassment hereafter
by ordering the publication weekly
/ of all subscriptions to the campaign
fund and the entire list published
before election day.
1t Is right that patriotic zeal and
caSh-producing individuals be en-
couraged, and that our entire cleo
torate be put in 4 position to rec
lognize such patriotism and accord
the glory to the deserving indivi-
duals. Such publication will in
Spire confidence in the purity and
patriotism of the Republican cam
paign managers and their sincere
desire to win the approval of good
citizens.
Let this campaign be a kinder
garten for nobler, purer, better
class of Republican politicians than
the country has ever known. Tc
accomplish such would realize the
ideals of President Roosevelt and
of many other good citizens. not
one of whom, however, could more
ardently desire it than Mr.. Taft
himself.
If Mr.. Taft and his Manager.
will order publication at once anC
continuously until election day