The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1914-04-24
WEEKLY REVIEW STATE
NEWS WITH OUR
COMMENT

The politicians of all parties have
been very busy during the past ten
days Politics will be the topic of
interest during the next few months.
The candidates will insist upon dis
cussing the subject whatever the peo-
pie may want to discuss. As there
is nothing of more importance than
good government it is the duty of n
self governing people to devote more
or less attention to the subject To
our mind the only advantage of the
direct primary system is that II
spreads the discussion of affairs of
government over a much greater
span of time. This gives the people
more time to consider men and meas
ures. If the time be properly occupied
fewer mistakes should occur.
The first big Republican meeting
was held in the city of Caldwell. The
Republicans of Canyon county met in
enthusiasm and earnestness. 1t was
inspiring to see old warehouses; frater-
nizing with those who for one cause
or another were lead away from the
party at the last election. Those who
went with the Progressive party a
year ago realize that in this STATE. at
least, there is no occasion for a third
party. Here we have the direct prim-
airy which enables the people to con-
Here we have placed orr affairs in the
hands of men who are at all times
troll the party at any and all times.
progressive in the true sense of the
word. The best traditions of the Re-
publican party, in Idaho, are carried
out and exemplihed.
Thursday evening following the Re
publican meeting the Democrats Of
Canyon county gathered at Caldwell.
The meeting was large both in point
of attendance and enthusiasm. In adj
dition to local men of prominence in
the party there were present state
leaders like Hawley, Nugent, Alex
ander, Bates and Dunning. The
leaders discussed the questions which
will be the issues of the coming cam
paign. At this meeting the people OF
Caldwell and Canyon county had an
opportunity to size up both Hawley
and Nugent at close range and as
senatorial candidates. 1t is frankly
admitted that Mr.. Nugent made the
better impression. He had larger
more suitable subject to discuss and
was apparently better prepared. Cover
nor Hawley seemed poorly prepared
and long way from his best. I'm
doubtedly, Governor Hawley had the
subject which should better appeal 10
a Caldwell audience, but he did araise
to his opportunities for some reason
or other. Mr.. Alexander discussed
taxation, blithly promising the peo-
pie Of Idaho a saving of $l,000,000 a
year in taxes in case of success at the
polls. Mr.. Alexander would have
made better impression if he had
assumed at the very beginning that
the audience had a modicum of in
telligence. Every intelligent voter in
Idaho knows that neither Mr. Alexan-
der nor any other man on earth could
make saving of 100000 per year
in the cost of state government. How
ever his remarks were we'll received
and apparently endorsed by the Demo
Gratis present. Mr.. Bates discussed
Conservation" but his remarks were
brief owing to the lateness OF the
hour. He was very we'll received and
the impression prevails that he is oil
congressional size. Mr.. Dun :iH2
spoke briefly and % the point OH the
tariff. Mr.. Dunuiny is forceful, en-
PERTAINING speaker.
THE Progressive party had moi
rallied in Caldwell up to the present
time. We note with satisfaction that
big enthusiastic meetings are being
held in abstract Offices, private resi-
dences and hotels in north Idaho by
the state chairman. At this distance it is
impossible for The Tribune to fairly
gauge these meetings. The Progress
sives herald them as big and enthuias'
tic; other newspapers seem unaware
of their existance. We. imagine thai
the meetings are very ordinary af'
fairs. Half dozen men get together
and proceed to rally. We say thi:
with no disrespect to the Progressive
party or its leaders. We know as q
matter of fact that it is impossible
to hold rousing meetings day after
day. The people of Idaho are busy
people. They have their farms, their
stores, their mines and their profes
sions to look after. They have neither
time nor inclination for a continuous
saternalia of politics.