Bisbee daily review., 1911-05-25

to the old ways and who VIII stand out for them 10 the last. but they will sink into a minority and Dc overcome They have found that their old excuse that it was neces sary 10 defend themselves against unfair legislation is no longer good excuse that there is a better way of defending themselves than through the private use of money. and that Is to take the public into their confidence. 10 make absolute lv onen all their dealings with legis- lative bodies and legislative officers. and let the public judge as between them and those with whom they are dealing in the field of politics.
 Responsible Leadership.
 This discovery on their part of what ought to have been obvious all along points out the way Of reform. for undoubtedly publicity comes very near being the cure all for political and economic maladies Of this sort. But publicity will continue 10 he very difficult so long as our methods of legislation are so obscure and de- yioHs and private ] think it win be- come more and more obvious that the way to purify our politics is to simplfy them and that the way to simplify them is to establish respon- sible leadership. We now have no leadership at all inside our le-isig- tive bodies-at any rate. no leader. ship which Is definite enough to at- tiact the attention ard vntchfulrcss of the country Our only leadership being that of irresponsible persons outside the Legislatures. who consti- tute the political machines. it is eX- tremely difficult for even the mos watchful public opinion to keep track Of the circulation methods pun sued. This undoubtedly lies al the root Of the growing demand on the part of American communities ey- elywhere for leadership, for respOn- sible leadership. for putting in author ity and keeping in authority those whom they know and whom they can watch and whom they can con, stantly hold to account. The business of the country ought to be served by thoughtful and progressive legis- latiOn, but it ought to be served op- enly. candidly, advantageously, with a careful regard to letting every btAf bc iirdlu anu every interest pc considered. the interest which is not backed by money as well as the interest which is, and this can be accomplished only by some simp3i. tcation of our methods which win center the public trust in small groups of men who will lead not by reason of legal authority or the right 10 command. but by reason Of their contact win and amenability 10 pub lie opinion.
 Public Opinion Our Hope.
 It is a refreshing ana reassurins thing to remind ourselves at every turn Of how safe il is to depend upon public opinion in America when pub lie opinion is. well informed. There is no revolution in the air except as against iniquity and secret confer ences against the public interest. The American mind is well poised and wholesome and inclined to jus tice, and the task that lies ahead Of us is at every turn the task of put ting that opinion into the saddle again so that affairs may go for. ward by a common impulse-that great impulse of righteous law. that eager impulse for the attainment of better 9nd better things which ve are proud 10 regard as characteris- tic Of the country we love.