The Alaska daily empire., 1917-06-23
AS TO A PARTY MACHINE

q do not agree with The Empire that should have Democratic machine in Alaska. The Demo- cratic party is supposed to be in the hands of the masses"
 This is the substance of letter received by The Empire The letter writer probably has misjudged The Empires position The Empire does not ap prove of machines" such we were familiar with upon tmea selfperpetuating machine" which dealt commercially in offices and special privileges That is why The Empire has favored selfgovernment controlled primaries the Australian ballot, regis voters, the initiative and referendum and such Other Legislation would insure complete trol of parties and government by the voting masses
 But political party if it is to be useful must be organized That is the only way it can offer the members of that party opportunity to give coop erative service to their country. When the organ zaton is formed the officers chosen by the members of the party constitute the party machinery That kind of machine" must have there cannot be cooperation
 It is the duty of this machine" the organiza tion, to keep closely in touch with the members of the party possible that it may be responsive to their wishes At the same time it is it's duty to harmonize the ideas of the people in such way to make consistent and workable program-one that will get results. Any has right to appeal from the decision of the organization the of the party They constitute the court of last resort This be done most effectively at the direct primaries next year. But it is not proper for members of a political party join those who disagree with the purposes and principles of the party destroy the influence of that pary's organization the National capital Otherwise the party good pur- All the partys members should aid those chosen to do the work for which the party exists The rank and file must not permit those who seek to the for the purpose of getting public payrolls destroy it's capacity Therefore they should aid the partys machinery in trying carry the work in behalf of the public welfare which the party has for itself
 In Alaska the Democratic leader is Delegate Charles A. Sulzer-chosen by the unanimous action of the Democratic Territorial convenon-and he will be the leader until someone else is chosen next At the head of the organization chosen represent the party in the National councils and back up the leader is National Committeeman Thomas J, Donohoe. These men have taken great pains to keep in touch with Democratic sentiment and to shape plan of ton that would both represent that sentiment effective in carrying out the program endorsed by the Democratic voters of Alaska. It became evident to them that they would need the cooperation of the Governor of the Territory, and that there could be harmony with the Governor if Gov. Strong be reapponted. They also discovered that this was the general sentiment throughout the Territory They discovered that the Democratic papers of the Terri tory had sized up the situation agreed with them that there must be someone in the Governors chair who would cooperate with Delegate Sulzer. The or ganization is working for Alaska-for harmonious development of the Territory Gov. Strong is fighting the organization and working along personal political lines
 Under these circumstances The Empire believes there is but thing for the members the Demo- cratic party to do and that cooperate Dele gate Sulzer. National Committeeman Donohoe the ma jority of the Democratic Central Committee, the ma jority of the Divisional organizations and Demo- cratic press of the Territory secure change in the office of Governor It is necessary bring about this change in order that may make progress.