New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-06
steal and Honesty s tlibese policy
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continually observing public, keen TO It's
own frallties, appreciative OF its obliga-
tons, and with the consciousness that no
single man has done his full duty until
he has done everything he can. 1t is not
sufficient for man TO say that he is
automatically but a certain portion Of
the United States, and therefore not
called upon for a degree Of service be-
yond his mathematical share. This re-
duces him at once TO an algebraic K In
the practical problems of American life it
would not be fattering for the real value
Of x to be discovered"
How can a descent into the x class
be avoided by an ordinary voter?" Mr..
Hedges was asked.
with the desirability OF having law
represent the active mentality and mo-
rality Of the large majority of the citi-
gems he replied, and the difficulty If
effecting that result by virtue OF the fact
that many are too engrossed 10 have
either the time or understanding to grasp
a particular problem. Men are accus-
toned to rely on the personality OF indi-
viduals who are advocating or opposing
pidHS IclNcuidi
One effect of this has been that in the
last few years, with a tendency to hero
! worship at the same time, people have
been more inclined to follow this or that
individual than to advocate or oppose this
or that measure.
Legislation has frequently become a
means of attracting attention to the indi-
yiduaI who proposed it, and applause has
been given to or withheld from him as an
individual In his admitted struggle more
frequently than energy has been given to
grasp the merits OF particular measure
under discussion. 1t. is only common
sense to say, therefore. that many men,
with the stimulus Of applause, and with
the pleasure of being in the public eye,
from time to time advocate measures
and carry them through as means or
contest and xploitation."
From what standpoint will you make
your appeal to the voters In this cam
paign? the visitor inquired.
THE PUBLIC IN A CAMPAIGN.
ct takes rare Judgment on the part OF
candidate however selected, to know no"
to appeal to the public on behalf or MN
self and those for whom he stands was
the reply. The, attitude OF the puoiic
toward a candidate In a campaign, now
ever faltering, and its attitude toward
him when he takes official position are
strangely different The public accepts ~
a rule the good faith of men OF Its own
selection at the polls. and for time al
least looks up to them and listens to their
utterances with careful respect. what
candidate says before he is elected Is dis
counted What he says soon after becom"
ing an official is liable to be accepted as
wisdom founded upon the knowledge ~
sumed to be in, the mind OF any one VINO
occupies that particular position Tue
American people have an inherent respect
for official authority. They do not always
pay proper respect to those exercising
that authority. 'f
There has recently developed 10
marked degree tendency toward general
criticism and an unwillingness to accept
any condition without comment. TINS
particularly applies TO political life. IL
may be that men have more confidence In
their own judgment than they formerly
had 1t may be that their confidence mas
been shattered. The fact remains that the
public generally has. come to look down
on men In public Office instead OF looking
up TO them. They have come to discredit
the motives of candidates rather than
give them the benefit of the doubt.
There is no, reason why a man believ-
/ ing In his own capabilities should not de-
sire to attain public office and receive all
the honor and dignity incidental thereto
This gives him prestige with his friends
makes him a potential factor In. the COM
munity, and responds to the instincts Tor
betterment incident to human nature IL
would indicate deplorable condition IL
men were not responsive TO such instincts.
| IL 1t Is taken for granted that the pubic
| Is worth serving, and that to serve the
public is a laudable ambition, there VIII
be no cause for captious criticism OF those
who entertain that ambition. One may
seek honor, another may seek only the
sure pay from public employment; there
| is no difference in principle. The willing
ness to give the best service one can to
the public, and actually doing It. 5ustines
the motive for seeking Office and conduct
while in It,"
"And how can the identity Of the pub
"A nth nara.