The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1916-07-21
RODERICK 0. MATHESON. EDITOR
The Republican Platform

F as has been suggested the newly chosen officers
= OF the Republican central committee withdraw
because the membership of the committee is repre-
sentative of all Cliques and factions without work
ing preponderance of any one it would be a confess
sion of lack of those qualities OF leadership with
which popular opinion had endowed the successful
candidates. We trust that sober second thought
will prevent such an occurrence.
al The platform is strong one. representing the
common beliefs of those who hold allegiance to Re-
publican principles in the conduct Of popular govern
ment within this Territory. 1t is platform on
which any citizen can stand for it is drawn on the
broad lines of progressive Americansm which
places good government above partnership in the
conduct of lOca! affairs.
No clique or fraction can govern free people un-
less it gives the kind IT government which the people
want The personel OF the governing body is not the
important point so long all stand together on the
same firm and solid PLATFORM. and work together to
uphold its sacred principles. This is land of ma
jority rule well of free expression of opinion
by the minority @
In all due respect to those whose CounseIs we're
overridden. and to those who sought prominence in
the central committee, but who were unsuccess-
full, it is well to state that the plans which said
to have gone astray unknown to many OF the
individual delegates. The choice of committeeman
in caucus fair expression of preference.-far,
open and above-hoard
Any tendency to deny the rights of citizens to the
open expression of opinion even though it differs
from the opinion of the ma orty, creates prejudice
in the minds of voters in a convention at the polls
And no matter how sincerely those who speak for
the ma ory believe that they have the right to inn
press their views op insurgents, any tendency to
the "bg stick" creates prejudice against the would
be leaders. the part of their fellows holding the
same identical beliefs.
4. 1t is simply matter OF methods Two men may
do the thing but in doing it one makes
friends while the other provokes criticism In choos
ing between the two the average voter in convention
or at the polls. favorS the who makes friends
without, in so doing placing the tangible stamp OF
disapprova upon the other candidate. Were there
only one candidate at a time each would receive the
full party vote This is the basic principle which
popular government rests and it is the first principle
reaffrmed in the party platform.
The Republican platform stands for all that is best
in civil government within this Territory for behind
the party there is long record of achievement. 1t
is the concrete expression of the civic hopes and
aspirations of the great body of who have given
this land clean and progressive government and who
promise their fellow citizens that if they are again
permitted to direct public affairs they will endeavor
to improve on what the majority pronounce good
This platform is no vote-catchng hodge-podge o.
misht ideas. 1t is sincere expression of earnest
political beliefs, platform which all advocates Of
better government stand.