Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1914-03-21
SATURDAY, MARCH 81, 1914
Personalities and Politics

The following editorial taken from the Courier
News Of Fargo is sound clear through, and coming
as it does from a paper which has, until the arrival
of Mr.. Guild, been of a demoinsurgent type, speaks
volumes for the fairness of its editor, as we'll as for
MI. Hanna. The article follows:
AS far as possible, personalities should be kept out
of politics, but it is not always possible. Sometimes
corrupt men or incompetents force their way into
public affairs until the only upright course is to dis
infect the immunity by letting fresh air and day.
light in upon them.
The Courier-News has principles and means to hc
there with a punch in all matters involving ideals
and principles, but we realize that people may hold
different opinions from us and yet, strangely enough,
be good men, while alas. we have also learned that
not everyone who processes devotion to the same
ideals we hold can be trusted.
John Rockefeller was given credit with p.eadins a
little verse as an immunity bath from criticism:
"There's SO much good in the worst OF us = =
And 50 much bad in the best Of us
That it scarce becomes any OF us
TO speak III Of the rest of US ~
1t Is an American failing to substitute personalities
for principles or arguments in political campaigns. IN
the coming campaign, the Courier-News expects to be
independent. 1t is not our first duty to advocate or
discuss men, but in the case of candidates for the
highest Offices upon the administration Of which much
USpSuUS, HMC .udy opSuh oOuueNudL " NudllAASoIsOAo
but those not supported by this paper will be treated
fairly and as gentlemen. ~ 49,
The most important political news Of the week for
North Dakota is the apparently reliable report that
within a few days Governor Hanna will announce
his candidacy for a second term. Whether this paper
and its readers support him or not. the governor goes
into the campaign with some assets which his rivals
must take notice of, if not now, then at the polls.
Among them are the following:
IA clean, businesslike administration.
: The general custom of a second term for an &C.
ceptable governor.
The entire absence Of machine organization or
support.
A wide acquaintanceship through the state, backed
up by a business career in which. while he has pros
pered, he has played the game fairly and has never
foreclosed a mortgage nor even sued a man.
"A career of unusually effective public service reach
ing back as far as statehood.
A consistent identification with the best moral IN
terests Of the state, including devotion to college
interests and much personal investment in them.
An unblemished personal character with model do
nestle relations which have helped a winning per
sonalty to win the esteem of his %neighbors to an
unusual degree. No stranger could come into Fargo
and hear Governor Hanna constantly spoken Of by
these people who know him best without being great
~ impressed by their confidence in him. 1t is moth
ing against any of his rivals that Fargo will vote
overwhelmingly for him at the primaries and at the
election, il he is the nominee.
He is sometimes criticized for not being more posi-.
tive on public issues, but a lack Of rampant aggres.
siveness has also resulted in a lack of a compact
bunch Of intense enemies. His foes are scattered
and there is not issue to solidify them..
Candidates for governor must reckon with these
assets as well as with Mr. Hanna's great political
acumen and shrewdness.