The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1915-04-02

Democratic majority members of the
Board of Aldermen are responsible for
in selecting a Republican to fill one of
the best offices in the city, then a new
declaration of rights and principles
should be speedily formulated and enun-
ciated by our party, so that those who
may not be in entire accord with such
matters can have an opportunity to ad-
just themselves to conditions.
As uncompromising as we always have
been for strict organization, and the appli-
cation Of correct and equitable processes
and manners to things essentially politi-
cal in their very nature and makeup, it
is quite natural that our feelings should
be considerably aroused by what took
place at the Board of Aldermen meet
ing, especially called to fill the position of
City Register and Tax Collector, which
vacancy was caused by the very sad
death of Bradley T. Nicodemus last
week. Maudlin sentimentality can hard
ly find place in the equitable adjust
ment of strictly political propositions,
and if we are to have charity board as
a political annex. it might not be out of
place to so stipulate it in a priority
bond
The Revolutionary War started a new
ideal in Americanism and paternalism,
and direct descent to high office was
eliminated from our code. In other
words, democracy succeeded royalty in
holding high power and office, and the
greatest good to the greatest number be-
came a slogan and watchword of the
people. We would like to ask very
quietly what possible political benefit can
come out of such a proceeding as was
carried through the other night at the
special meeting of the Aldermen, where
the rights of political majority were
subjugated to minority victory, and
will be so considered by those who have
anything to do with Republican politics
in this city. 1t is a well known axiom
Of law that in order to obtain equity one
must come into court with clean hands;
and in like manner, to obtain political
equity one must do likewise. You can
not make fish of one and fowl of another,
and as long as we have political battles
results must come through political
methods. 1t was political victory for
the Democratic party, and was so con-
sidered on all sides, when in the last
municipal election three Democratic AL
dermen were elected with Democratic
mayor. If there are no results to come
to the rank and file of the Democratic
party from such victories, then it would
be just as well to put the appellation
"Mixed Pickles over our ticket. and
let come what will. 1t takes the heart
out of the average man who is interested
in his party, and who acts and feels as if
some benefit should come to the mem.
bers of that party, to have men 90 back
on political principles and political ideals,
and sacrifice very often the seccess of
party in the future by an irregular con
ception of their powers and duties.
Very few of us can be governed strictly
by our own individual preferences and
predictions, and there is generally
string Of duty and principle attached to
us, no matter what we may think of
ourselves, and no matter how large is
our bump of egotism.
Political battles are fought along gen
eral lines, and whilst men do most any
thing sometimes to get votes for them
selves or for their friends, yet at the
same time it has always been considered,
and no doubt always will be, that the
fruits Of the victory should be enjoyed
by the party, and if there be any other
result, certainly that party could hardly
go before the votera and ask them for
their consideration. There can always
be found in the ranks of the Democratic
party as good men, and just as capable
men, and just as efficient men as in the
RnNphlt.u,, II a