The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-03-06
POLITICIANS VERSUS PEOPLE.

The politicians and would-be bosses
know if Statement No 1. is adhered to
by the people their power and prestige
is gone forever. Hence, the frantic
efforts to persuade the people to ignore
Statement No 1. by these intensely in
/ terested politicians and bosses. If the
voter will simply ask "Who are the
men who are opposing Statement No.
~" and then search out the answer by
observation, be will find every enemy
to Statement No. /, without excep-
ton, a would-be boss and political
leader and dictator. 1t makes no
difference whether the enemy be great
or small-whether his influence ex-
tends throughout the state, county or
precinct, il you will simmer his ac-
tivity down to the bottom you will find
be is actuated py selfish impulses. He
expects personal gain in some way with
the defeat of Statement No. /. &.
Our primary law would pledge the
legislator to carry out the wishes Of a
majority Of the people, rather than the
wishes of some particular candidate
for United States senator. Candidly,
do you think that the majority of the
people should rule, even in the seleo-
tion of United States senator?
But, say our Republican friends, a
majority of the people may vote for
Governor Cham berlain for United
States, and, should majority of the
legislature be pledged to the people in
having subscribed TO Statement No. 1,
be would be elected by the legislature.
Well, suppose this event should trans
pire? What of it? Would not wish
of the majority of the people be carried
out? The efforts to discredit
Statement No. are the last despair
ing endeavors of corrupt politicians to
regain their lost power. Defeat for
these political tricksters and wire
pullers at the June election means an
Inhalation. Their success will mean
the restoration of the rottenest politi-
cal oligarchy that has ever infested the
state. Success will make these now
dethroned bosses and professional pol
AbAoAdu6 Aulo uLLOknul anu ulotdlOlAdl
than ever. They will interpret success
to mean Endorsement of their corrupt
methods and govern themselves accord
ingly. 1t will mean the driving of
decent, honorable men from the public
service, to be supplanted by boodlers,
bribers and general reign of corrup-
ton.
II the politicians win out in their
assaults on Statement No. the efforts
of the people to regain control of gov
ernmental affairs will be a flat failure.
The eyes Of the people of the United
States are directed toward the Oregon
country. They are watching with in
tense interest at the "Oregon expert
ment." II we are successful in estab-
fishing this reform in popular govern
ment we will have performed service
of lasting benefit to the American
people. Our success means the adop-
tion of the 'Oregon experiment" by
other states and the eventual purifca-
tion of American politics.
Occupying, as we do, the most ad-
vanced position of all the states in the
science of popular government, we
cannot, must not, allow gang of dis
gruntled, corrupt politicians to defeat
our efforts. lhe people should ever
advance to highor and better ideals in
popular government, but never take
step backward. -Scio News.