The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1910-10-03
Discomfort SPREADING.

The Tribune is unfeignedly glad to
see the spirit of independence spread
ing in Utah We have heretofore copied
from the Provo Herald some emphatic
words in disapproval of the political
bossism prevailing in this boss-ridden
State. This insolent overriding of the
people by the political bosses in Utah
would not be possible if it were not for
the fact that these bosses are backed
by the church and have the whole of
the church power TO support them
When 1t comes to the point, as 1t did
two years ago in this city, that mem
bers of the Mormon church are de-
nounced as traitors TO that church un
less they vote for certain ticket, it
is surely time to call halt
We are delighted to see that there
Is disposition in many quarters to
issue the call for halt. We hear
it constantly from all parts of the
State. Too often. however, the person
writing or speaking to us begs that his
or her name shall not be used lest the
vengeance of the priesthood be visited
upon them. But the Provo Herald is
outspoken, and publicly denounces
Smoot bossism. In less emphatic de
gree the Mlllard County Chronicle gives
voice also 10 its discomfort with the
way that the church Republican bosses
are dominating the politics Of this
State. We copy It's recent editorial on
the Smoot State convention, as follows:
We think the prohibitonisls and the
progressive Republicans will be rather
dissatisfied with the platform promul
gated by The Republicans at their State
convention on Monday. II declares for
local option. which, according TO the Su
preme Court of the State we already
have. We believe. however. that the
people OF the State want Statewide pro-
hibitton. at least a good many thousand
signed petition for such a law at the
last legislature. Local option, which
permits one locality to sell liquor while
neighboring locality tries to enforce
prohibition, will never be satisfactory.
IL may be difficult to enforce State wide
prohibition in the cities and mining
camps. but II is even more difficult 10
enforce local option, as Mllard county
has experienced.
on direct primaries, direct legislation,
a public utilities commission and similar
questions. which are live issues In other
States, the platform was entirely silent.
There was really no evidence whatever
congratulations for what congress has ac-
but the most beneficial lcgis-
lation that has been enacted was forced
by the progressive wing OF the party.
The postal savings bill. railway rate bill
and similar measures were carried
through by the efforts OF the progress
sives, In spite of the reactionary tao
tics OF men like Cannon. Adrich and
others.
The demand for direct legislation was
made by the people in the constitutional
carried In 1900. but no legis-
lature has yet carried II out We think
this is a most important reform. and
the people should demand OF the next
that its provisions be enforced
by law, as the constitution demands We
hope the next legislature will exhibit a
little more progressive spirit than the
platform shows.
Congressman Howell was nominated to
succeed himself and Judge Straup nomi-
mated for the Supreme Court.
1t is refreshing to see this spirit of
independence, stirred up by the Ameri.
can leaven which is working vigorous.
ly throughout the State. We trust that
the day may soon come when there
will be no need for any person or any
newspaper in Utah to fear the ven
geance of the priesthood on giving ut
terance to the candid. honest sentiment
Of the person or the editor or manager
Of that sheet.