Bisbee daily review. [volume] (Bisbee, Ariz.) 1901-1971, 1910-07-31
NOT ONLY BEST,
BUT INDEPENDENT.

BUT INDEPENDENT.
In determining to send the very
best men to the constitutional con
vention. the people of Arizona are
facing a little harder task on &C
count Of the pernicious activity Of
the federal machine. If the people
want a constitution that will not be
in harmony with the Cannon-Aldrich
purpose in government. they win
have to see to it that the men
elected to the constitutional conven-
ton. whether republicans or demo
Gratis. are independent Of the ma
chine. 1t ought to be PLAIN to any
man who can see anything at all
that a constitution framed by Ralph
Cameron and the federal office hold
ers will be unsuited TO the best
ideals of popular government. 1t
would be a federal constitution,
forced upon a new state. and made
to conform to the particular pur-
pose of men now dominant in Wash
ington.
The complexion Of government
changes in Washington occasionally.
Party policy is not a stable thing.
even within the party. 1t is some
thing distinct from the broad ideals
Of government. and varies as the
moods and personal interests of Do
liticians vary. 1t is narrow, and
often at variance with the sentiment
Of the people. Yet, republican logic
in Arizona seems to be that since
we have standpat. high tariff. cor
poration favoring administration. the
new state must frame its constitu-
ton in harmony Herewith.
This purpose of the federal repub-
lican machine is cheap and tawdry. It
could be put forth by no men who
were not more concerned over their
federal jobs than for a truly popular
and just fundamental law. 1t fails
to rise to the great occasion. and
cannot be expected to. The success
of the machine in carrying out its
evident purpose would be nothing
short Of political calamity.
It is the duty of republican voters.
as well as Of democrats, to see that
independent men are chosen to frame
the constitution. The republican
voters are more concerned with the
welfare of their new state than with
the little personal ambitions of Del
egate Cameron, the carpet baggers
who itch for Office, and the others
who are holding small Offices by
grace Of Washington We do not
think the majority Of republicans are
in sympathy with the purpose to give
Arizona a constitution dictated in
Washington, and we believe that
they are loyal enough and intelligent
enough to understand that they
would be eternally disgraced by 20
ing to the constitutional convention
ike flock of sheep, without DUR
pose except to obey orders
The constitutional convention viii
be composed OF both democrats and
republicans. But II we are to hav,
a constitution worthy Of the name
and one which preserves our sci
respect those delegates have got {,
be broad and independent citizens
Of Arizona first, last and all tn,
time. They should look with suprem,
contempt upon the purpose Of tn
federal Office holding crowd. The oC
casion is great. 1t calls for men
not salary grabbers. The outcome /
in the hands OF the people them
selves. Upon their action in choosin
delegates viii depend the futur
standing Of Arizona before the ns
ton, whether it shall have respec
or contempt. Choose not only III
best men, but independent men.