The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1908-03-20

Those who fight and win battles want
for themselves, or for their associates Ia
the conflict. the rewards, whatever they
may be, that belong to victory. All
political leaders and political parties,
from the foundation of the government
until now, have recognized this principle
and acted upon it, and they could not
nor cannot do otherwise.
We sometimes designate ii as the
spoils system, and give it other names
that are not altruistic; but no matter, it
has to be. Ii the so-called reform move
ment should succeed ia Van Buren,
county. and generally in the state, it
will have its leaders, its spoils OF VIC
tory, the same as now. fractional and
party spirit will prevail. and those who
make success possible will clamor for
the rewards, and cannot be ignored.
Some men are sure to be active, to
strive to exert a dominating influence
with the view OF ultimate success, and
OF achieving the rewards OF triumph for
themsel 'es.
Now, 10 all ways we are representative
government. The party is represented
calls caucus by giving public notice
through advertisements inviting all
members Of the party to attend. When
the caucus convenes, it elects represent
atives to attend county convention to
meet with others chosen in like manner,
and these representatives elect, 10 turn,
representative to attend still other CO
ventions which may, in cases, do like
wise
Thus, it is that there are constant,
successive checks to govern political ac-
ton as we now proceed. All is prima-
riy open to general participation, etc.
1t is out OF the question, certainly out
of the line Of experience here for these
represen atives-delega tes-to nominate
to any position Of trust a man known to
be unworthy and incompetent. Party
service is recognized, but with it must
be fitness for the duties to be per formed,
and integrity.
In estimating the worthiness of party
rule, of it's organization, and Of it's meth
DDS Of procedure, we must have in mind
whether in the past it has carried the
responsibilities of political authority
faithfully and efficiently. Has the party,
through it's methods of action, main
tanned the public service at the proper
standard of efficiency? Has it protected
the community against waste and scan
dial? Ii the answer be in the affirma-
tive, what further question is there that
really concerns the public we'll being?
In answering this question, Van Buren,,
at least, has continuous, uniform record
of republican party rule that is conspicu-
Gus for its high stan ard of efficiency
and excellence.
IL is possible that this primary reform
movement is IN general based upon sim
cere and intelligent motives, but it does
not require a great deal of inspection to
render manifest the fact that there is in
1t much of disappointed ambition,
thwarted interest, and the belief that by
the change better opportunity viii. be
afforded for attaining the prize of Office
by some few who otherwise realize that .
they have no possible chance.
| confess to being one of those who has.
more fai h In continuance within the
lines which we now follow, and which, on
the whole have given so good resultsin the
past, rather than adopt method in
which | can discover no positive gain. at
least here in this county; but rather can
see wherein there may result serious
short coDings, il the method of the So
called primary reform were adopted,
that would lead TO greater disapLoint-
ment, unfairness and positive evil, that,
granting all that is claimed, we even now
suffer from.