The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1912-07-26
OBSERVATIONS.

l think there are some people who
"bolted" the Republican party in
1896, who were afterwards sorry for
their action; l am one who accords
to each man honesty in his own con-
victions in politics and religion; we
are so constituted that we see differ
emily about the same question; l con-
cede that my friend and neighbor is
as honest and intelligent as am;
but his cast of mind is such that one
side OF truth, or one cluster of truths
is more prominent with him than with
me; and he views a particular poll
tical question from a wholly differ
ent angle from myself; and l respect
my friend on the other side of the
political field, if he has his own opin-
ion about it. There is a political
world, as we'll as financial world
or other spheres of thought and ac-
ton. And when one has adopted his
| political world he will find himself
most successful, and probably most
satisfied, if he stays with his politi-
cal associates; in a great national
| party there must be many shades OF
opinion; and at times some one shade
or several of them may be at variance
with ones own; but, unless the OBJ
jectionable preponderate, one had
best stay with his own set; if the
Objectionable are too great, and carry
the most weight, and reach convic-
| tons, he had best get out, and seek
the associates that meet his approba
| ton. But to profess to stay in a
party and deliberately thwart its
policy, and sebvert its principals, is
not wise nor is it honorable. But for
the last twenty-five years, since mug
wumpism had its rise and run, it has
been pretty generally accepted
axiom that one may be pretty good
party man, not recreant, if on occas-
ion, he scratches his ticket; that dis
| cussion changed the idea of party
loyalty; before it had been that each
one to be true party man he must
vote the whole ticket and support all
the party action; that was the Jack
son and Van Buren, idea; in the last
thirty years multitudes of repub-
licans have rebelled against that re-
quirement; and while claiming that in
the main, and for general action, they
were in accord with their party, they
demanded "the divine right to bolt"
And multitudes have exercised that
right; and the prevalence of that view
causes those who procure the NOM
inees to offer better men; and if the
precinct, county or state is close
one, the prevalence of that independ-
ence, has a most salutary effect on
party managers. Some years ago the
party leaders in an neighboring state
felt so confident that they allowed a
man who greatly desired the nomina-
ton to a judgship to have it, although
he was for a number of reasons very
obnoxious to many; his political op-
ponent was very able lawyer, whom
his party had no expectation OF elect
ing when they nominated him, it be-
ing given as compliment; sometimes
he drank too much liquour, but was
otherwise respected for his ability
and high integrity. The question was
spuarcly before the voters in that
city and county: Shall we vote for
the strict party man who is notorious
ly wanting in principle and honor, or
for the really great man who has that
weakness, shown occasionally" The
matter was much debated in various
circles; at last one man. and a clergy
man at that. said: Knowing both
men and their affiliations, and the
weakness of H., would rather run
the risk Of his being drunk on the
bench than trust the other man So
ber." The declaration struck a pop
ular feeling. and H. was elected, much
to his surprise; and learning how it
came about it caused him to get hold
of himself, and he made model and
popular Judge.
Fellow party men, don't bolt, but
scratch" all you desire; keep in the
ranks for the next campaign.
OpCEpVEp