The copper era and Morenci leader., 1916-04-07
Editorial. Opinion
HUNT ADOPTS SOCIALISM
(RiShee RpVieW)

kblSD66 1OeNlcWJ Announcement by Governor Hunt as to whether or not he would he candidate for reelection was awaited with less interest than attached to the substance which he would incor- porate in such announcement in case of an affirmative decision. Citizens were justified in taking the liveliest concern in his pronouncement of req sons for appealing to the electorate flor re-endorsement. His administra- tion had been assailed from many quarters. The political party which he assumes to represent declined to endorse him at the recent session of the State Central Committee. Sev- eral Arizona newspapers unallied with mining interests have abandon ed him after years of support.
 So the Hunt announcement was awaited with the keenest expectancy. Now it is at hand. It was published in full in yesterdays Review.
 Passing over the bombastic phrasing which Governor Hunt is incapable of creating yet to which he has attach ed his rubber stamp, the announce ment emphasizes a single theme HATRED of corporations. It sounds most loudly a single note-SOCIAL- IISM. It leaves in the mind of all readers a single pression-DEFT- lANCE of law and order. But let us ltake Hunts own words:
 'The real predominant issue con- sists of human rights, disposition to Iprogress, and majority rule on the one side, and reactionaryism, preda- tory purpose and minority rule, on the other.
 Not that I would needlessly array against one another any of the so-call- ed social classes which are compon- ent parts of the body polite. Such an alignment, even though reality, must always be regarded with depre- cation and regret by thoughtful citi- zens, but the issue in this instance, was neither shaped nor determined by the people of Arizona as a whole"
 Having thus deprecated the need lessly arraying against one another any of the so-called social classes Hunt proceeds to do it, as follows:
 "Time after time, during the past -four years, and especially during the last year, the spokesmen and news papers employed or controlled by cor porate wealth have inveighed against the growing independence of labor, the humane management ot state in stitutions and the shaping of govern
 
 the proletariat They have cast the die; let the result be what it may the people will determine.''
 Yes, Governor, the people will de- termine. The people employed by the largest industry in Arizona-min- ing are receiving the highest wages paid to miners anywhere in the world. Our miners except when in- famed by agitators- in absolute accord with their employers. Harm ony prevails generally. Hours of la bor, wages, living conditions, all are as advantageous to labor as the min i ing industry in our state permits. It is thus that corporate wealth inveighs against the growing independence of labor"
 Independent labor cannot be bam- boozled. Independent labor in Ari- zcna is sufficiently intelligent, is suffi- ciently courageous to think for itself. Independent labor resents being fore ed into the position of a tool to serve the selfish interests of any man. When independent labor senses the first touch of corporate greed it will wage it's own battles valiantly. It will go into the meat of things, scorn- ing to fritter away it's time with Journeys into the abstracts of social lism. If a leader be needed, independ- ent labor will seek one who is prac- ltical and sincere.
 Democracy and Socialism are bed fellows. One or both may be good according as they are interpreted honestly and intelligently. Governor Hunt acclaims himself Socialist, yet assumes to march under the banner of Democracy. If the Democratic marty of Arizona desires to disclain Q him, it is time for accredited leaders to act. If the Socialist party of Ari zona wants him, let his adoption be announced. If any uncertainty exists a last tribunal remains.
 Yes, Governor, the people will de . termine.