The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1913-01-23
Democratic Simplicity.

Major is, pre- eminenlly, boss OF the
democratic party in Missouri now with
no one TO hinder, none to make him
afraid. He has the party in his hands.
It's big chiefs are all at his feet. His
scepter is stretched out TO those he
favors, his spearmen are ready 10 drive
from his throne room those on whom
he frowns. As plausible as plausibility
itself he makes the men who gave him
his Job feel like they have everything
coming while 10 his special friends
everything is going. On the surface
of things democratic there is harmony
underneath there is murmuring, dis
cord, strife. The fire is covered, but
the atmosphere will be hot when the
fame breaks through tie cracks in the
lid. Everything will 90 on smoothly
till the jobs are all given out, when
tbere'll be weeping and wailing and
gnashing Of teeth,
Before his Inauguration Governor
Major talked about "a simple demo
cratic inaugural" without pomp or
display. He would walk TO the capitol,
and take the oath Of Office in simple,
inexpensive manner. But the bills for
flowers, decorations, music, dance hall
rent and refreshments exceed $1,000,
and will be paid out Of the state
treasury. Acres of carpets spread in
the Legislative halls and department
Offices will cost from $4,000 to $500.
Fine furniture will run the bill up to
$4,000 or 5000. Yet it is all
simple-just plain and inexpensive
democratic simplicity! From an
abundance OF such simplicity may the
Lord deliver the taxpayers ol Missouri
The democratic auditor estimates
the revenues for 1918 and 1914 at
ten millions. The republican state
administration left a surplus in the
treasury Of about one hall million.
The estimated appropriations Of the
legislature for 1918 and 1914, accord
ing to Governor Major, will not be less
than twelve and one half millions.
That also is democratic simplicity
a simple matter Of spending all in sight
and two millions more!
The simple minded democrats at the
inaugural rejoiced over the "redemp-
ticu" Of Missouri They did not see
in democratic aScendency the states
redemption" from good government
economically administered; from faith
iul public service on the part OF men
appointed to perform such services.
The redemption Of Missouri, from their
view point, is only the restoration Of
the democracy to power. They only
saw its redemption from republican
rule and the prospect Of democrats
holding the jobs and drawing the
salaries.
The democrats who are leading here
are smooth politicians. They are
hoodwinking the lesser lights and will
try TO fool the people. While promis'
ing progressive" Legislation .hey have
two we'll defined partisan objects ir
view-in their view, not in the view o.
the less astute democrats who make ur
a majority Of the Legislature. Thcii
first object is to secure more party
patronage by creating new Offices ant
new positions in state departments anc
fastening vacancies in Offices nov
controlled by republicans. Thei
other object is to put through legisla
ton for which republicans have created
a demand among the people and theI
claim party credit for it.
Politicians who are merely lookinJ
on are nudging each other as they not
the moves made by the players in ihi
game Of party politics. They kpov
what it all means and are wonderinI
whether the people will see it in tru
light. It would be interesting to hea
the opinions Of old time democrat
about the bluffs Of Major and his lieu
tenants. These bluffs will certainl
be called in due time.
We'll che youroar Do,,bao, bol