The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1912-03-07
THF IEDEPENT VOTER THE
REAL PROGRESSIVE.

as IN other states, are lamenting ov
er the fact that the followers of Mr.
Roosevelt are very strenuously op
posing the denomination of Presi
dent Taft, and because the Taft fol
lowers are just as bitterly opposing
the nomination of Roosevelt for the
presidency; these papers maintain
ing that such course can only mean
the defeat of the one who might be
nominated. And these same papers
that are finding falt with any one
who might criticize either of the can
didates have no choice themselves
between them, nor any one else who
might be nominated on the Republi-
can ticket, no matter what principles
he might advocate, nor what policy
he might pursue. II is sufficient for
them if he is elected on a ticket that
has the name Republican" at the
head of it.
To such papers as these, principles
make but little difference, and party
to them is ahead Of principle at any
time. Nor are they confined to the
Republican party alone, but are
found in other parties as well; al
though just now the greatest differ
ences and troubles seem to be in the
Republican party.
Such advocates can be of little
good to the country or to any one.
They do not realize that there are
just as smart men in one party as
there are in the other; just as good
men, just as honest men, Just as cap
able men, and this being true, Why
should not principle be placed above
Party7
We have faith in the honesty and
integrity of all the leading candi-
dates of the parties for the presi
dency, but differ with some Of them
in the principles which they are ad-
vocating, both in the Democratic and
Republican parties, but differ more
with some than others and this is no
doubt true with a great majority of
the voters throughout the country.
This country has always been for
tunate in selecting honest and capa-
bic men for president and we believe
the same care viii be taken by the
voters in the future as in the past,
although there always has been and
always viii be a difference of opin-
ions as to the principles enunciated
by each party no matter by what
name they may be called.
Was it not a fact that thousands
IF Democrats voted for President
Roosevelt in 1904 because they be-
Iieved in the principles that he was :
advocating and we're opposed to the
for which Mr.. Parker was
standing and who was the Democrat
c candidate7 Because these same !
Democrats voted for Roosevelt in
stead Of Parker, is it right that they
should be censured for it and read +,
,ut of the Democratic party when !
hey really believed in the Demo-
ratio principles which they thought .
he Democratic party usually stood
orr This same condition prevailed
n 1908 when Mr.. Taft was the Re-
publican candidate and Mr.. Bryan !
was the Democratic candidate, all
though the situation was somewhat
These independent ideas should be J
encouraged in all parties and not !
The independent voter is I
worth many times to his country
Vhat hide-bound party man is who !
will vote his ticket straight no mat
.er who the candidates may be nor
What they are advocating. The in
are the true progressives
not necessarily that they should
AXE up all new theories suggested, H
put that they think and act for them
selves.
The people have but little use for !
hese papers that are still harping
IN the same old story advocated
vears ago to vote their ticketstraight =.
10 matter what its personnel or the
principles represented thereby.
IT,. ,.,-~l. a - bor,tnnfrcr - vooI