The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1912-09-13
Political Matters Should o.
cupy Attention of All
Good Citizens
PREPARE FOR BATTLE
State Chairmen Line up for Scrap
People Patiently Awaiting the St.
Anthony Report--Increased Indus
trial Activity Throughout The En-
tire State.

The Tribune is firmly convinced
that it is the duty of every Ameri-
can citizen to take a deep interest
and an active part in politics. The
citizen should be politician In the
practical as well as in the real
sense of the word. 1t is not enough
that he theorize, ponder and aca-
demically discuss. He must be real
factor in influencing and controlling
the political party to which he be-
longs. The manipulation of pre-
cnict, If you wish to term it, Is
often fraught with more Importance
to the commonwealth than the COM
position of a splendid treatise on
the theory and science of govern
ment. Holding such views we offer
no apologies for devoting consider
able space not only to the princi-
piles and policies of the different
political parties but also to the per-
|sonalities of, the leaders and the
schemes Of the manipulators. We
deem 1t of great Importance that
principle Inundated but also
[the advocate. A principle of gov
when in the hands of skilful advo-
cate assumes a practically that COM
mon sense teaches us does not and
cannot exist. Hence arises a neces-
sity for knowing the motive. When
we find a politician advocating a
policy that we know to be inappli-
liable, knowledge of the character
and motive of the man himself is
most useful.
In this year a third political party
has been thrust forward by a single
man. He takes the position that the
two old parties are boss-ridden and
consequently corrupt, resulting Of
course In corrupt government. He
| goes further and says that neither
OF these parties can be reformed
and that the salvation of the repub-
lican government in this country de-
ponds upon this third organization.
He assumes a virtue now, that he,
BY his own confession, admits was
inefficient four, six and ten years
ago. Else why did he not resort
to it? At the same time he invites
all classes, kinds and conditions of
men to join his movement, making
no attempt to separate the sheep
| from the goats. In other words he
and his followers hold that bap-
tism into bullmooseism will wash
away the gravest sins. Could any
thing be more absurd? Col. Roose-
yelt and his followers wherever pos
sible are trying to capture the regu-
lar party organization taking with
the machinery all the sins and the
crimes of which 1t is accused, as
Stunning that a corrupt boos when
once he becomes Roosevelt boss is
incorruptible. Such sophistry will
not appeal to the American people.
When the Progressive" party be-
comes q strong party. II ever II
does, what Is to prevent rust and
corruption from entering in? Is II
not a fact that in the estimation Of
every loyal Bull Moose, Col. ROose-
Welt himself, is the sole guard
against this rust and corruption
That Col. Roosevelt himself Is the
Only guarantee of clean effective
government? That upon him OuI
government depends? No Damoc'
lean sword was ever held by a Aim
sler thread.
The vain conceit of Col. Roose
Eelt would provoke jeremiah t.
Mirth and laughter, were 1t not tina,
ne has attracted to his standard
thousands Of good, honest men and
omen. Citizens of this countr,
ire really convinced that Col, Roose'
elt is necessary to the welfare Of
he country. They have been At
racted by the noise and glamour
ie has preached SO much that the,
ave come to look upon him a. {
prophet. He has assumed greater
roportions than that. He IL MOI
My the Isaiah but their Moses u
ell Unless one questions Col
Ioosevelt's motive there IL no &C
bunting for his methods. It 10 tot
UGH for human credulity to believe
iat he actually thinks himself nec
sary to the people. or capable O.
accomplishing his proposed meas
es, called reforms. II he does no
tually believe he 10 Q demi-got
EN- 1t necessarily follows that onl!
vain. selfish and irresistible ambi
pm has seized him. That ambition
II not be stated with another term
two terms, nor three terms Il
White House. Power for If
ast be his aim. That Is the mo