Evening journal., 1911-02-13
PROGRESSIVE KENT DEMOCRATS.

PROGRESSIVE KENT DEMOCRATS.
e ONE Of the leading Democrats of Kent county
- have formed an organization the object of
which is to agitate for more progressive princi-
pies within the party's ranks Ii is planned to
oppose corporate interests and special interests
in the State TO exterminate bribery, if within the
power of man to do so, and TO punish the re-
cipient as we'll as the gver of brbe, to pro-
mote publicity in public affairs and to show the
true condition Of politics.
For some time past there has been a progress
sive element in the Democratic party, but it has
not been the dominant element. Years ago the
Democratic League of this city was active in ad-
vocating progressive principles but notwithstand-
ing its large membership and its prosperous con-
dtion as the chief Democratic organization of the
State il has had little success in impressng its
ideas on the party as represented at State con-
ventons
Ever since the Bryan campaign there has been
more or less progressive sentiment in Kent county
which has influenced somewhat Democratic State
conventions. The same, according to our obser-
vation, cannot be said of Sussex.
The objects Of the new league, however, are
such as will appeal to many Democrats especially
the younger men, who not under the influence
of the old leaders who stand for ultra conserv-
atsm. But the principles mentioned in the news
paper accounts of the forming of the league are
not such as should be confined to Democrats In
other communities they are urged by many Re-
pubcans. And there is no doubt that large
number of Republicans in Delaware would give
hearty assent TO the program of the Kent League
In fact it is highly probable that Republican
Progressive League will be formed in Delaware
which would be quite natural The Republican
party in the State has stood for progress.
The abandonment of the old assessment and col
lection laws came about through Republican agita-
tion and the same may be said of the new con-
sttution which practically made by the Re-
pubcans although the Democrats, through the
violent means employed in securing control of
the Kent county election returns. found them
selves in control of the constitutional convention
by slight majority. Had il not been for the fac
tionaI differences in the Republican party, that
party would have had undisputed control Of the
convention.
The Democratic League of Kent, intends to
oppose corporate interests and special interests in
politics That is a good resolution. Corporate
interests and special interests for years have play
ed an entirely too important part in our politics.
There has been entirely too much consulta-
tion of the wishes of corporate interests. But
the people are becoming aroused on this matter
in Delaware as we'll as in other States, and we be-
lieve that in the future politics will be freer
from the meddlng OF corporations than they have
been in the past.
No good citizen can help wishing the Kent
League success in its efforts to stamp out bribery
ana corruption. Inc thinking people OF DelaWare
are gradually beginning to take their bearings
on this question. We believe there has been inn
provement, that there is not so much bribery and
corruption there has been in the past, but what
remains should be obliterated.
The receiver of the bribe as we'll as the giver
should be punished, although it would seem TO us
that where both the receiver and the gver are
liable, it will be more difficult than ever to root out
the evil 1t is hard enough at present to punish
the guilty.
The Journal is inclined 10 believe that bribery
and corruption can be done away with only when
men active in politics firmly resolve TO stamp it
out. And they ought to do so. They ought to
realize what harmful thing the illegal use of
money in elections is. They ought to pause TO
consider how it will lead TO utter Generalization
unless it is stopped. Men who hold positions
through the purchase of their fellows, we
should think, would suffer in their consciences.
The Republicans should see 10 il that the Demo-
Gratis are not the only ones TO take up officially
this advanced progressive work The great pro-
gressive movement throughout the country today
lies chiefly within the ranks of the Republican
party, although il is confined TO no party as evil
denced by the splendid record Governor Wilson.
of New Jersey, is making.
Rational progress is the thing that is going
TO count. The Progressives may stumble and
fall, but they will be up again and doing and
each time they will gain little further real head
way. Political leaders who do not sec this are
blind to the patent facts.