South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-07-11

Already however we can hear this man. and that,
and woman. that. remarling beneath their
breaths that this is effort to avert attack upon
someone whom favor.-setting them TO wonder
ing what It is that would shield.
Nothing at ALL thank you, We borrowed the
from Michigan's most Wtroic republican daily
the Detroit Free Press-party owned by Sen Tru-
man II. Newberry. convict and revoiced since the
San Francisco convention in numerous republican
organs. Pray tell US what II IS that they would
shield? a poor SUSPICION that cannot work both
ways-but If you can avoid being suspicious. the
idea is still good
Principles are eternal. Personalities are only
transitory. The question is half much who is
going 10 do a thing for his country what he is
going do for II is much question
OF how he is going 10 do It. OF course. character
reputation OF a is bound TO throw some
light upon the probability Of his executing prn-
ciple. and for that such things difficult
to avoid-particularly with those and women
10 whom things that of the unsavory the
seeming limit Of their comprehensions.
Presumably ours is a government by law; crystal
izations OF varying modes OF political faith. Men
supply only the agencies OF capitalization and tho
executive force. To be sure, must have men who
are dependable but after all isn't It the character
OF the crystalizations least much the char
acters OF the men, that should give deep con-
cern2 Assufedly IL IS easier 10 throw a DrlCk-Dat
at a man than at an idea; PERHAPS easier than
throw a bouquet at them-but that is merely
matter Of predominance of animality mental
ity in the makeup those who indulge in it. In
telIectua incapacity unwilngness and the inability
comprehend. laziness in the matter Of studying
up. incompetence in the acquisition Of reliable in
formation, going TO bottom Of things analyzing
them. and thinking It over arriving ones
conclusion; such is the reason that many people
have TO be fed on personalities. enabling them 10
exhibit their assumed brightness by throwing
bouquets at this candidate If he's theirs, and brick
bats at that candidate, II he isn't theirs
Inheritance, environment. self-interest and per-
sonalities. accordingly have always played very
prominent II not the most prominent part-cut
the greater fgure,-in American politics. What
proportion OF the people do you suppose have read
the republican and democratic platforms, carried by
practically every newspaper in the country that
they might have them and get acquainted, nearly
as possible with what the two parties have been
promising do. and not to do? Experience dictates
less than 10 percent Everybody. however. took
notice that Cox and Roosevelt and Harding and
Coolidge had been made the party nominees. Oh
yes we talk about government by consent of the
governed" but consent 70 what? Mainly
sent TO this or that man. dependent somewhat upon
his own shortcomings and virtues and otherwise
whether or not Of the party faith
ers have been. varied occasionally by matrimony
social cast. or the politics OF acceptable
Deighbors.
This may not be n very glowing picture Of the
political intelligence and sagacty Of the average
American citizen. but it is the truth. and # you
ere one OF the school whom it hits-wbich, pardon
US of course you are not.-here is hoping that
anger at the slap in your face will drive you TO do
little investigating Of something else besides
ddates Make a few Investigations Of the principles
involved the campaign along with your listening
for the splatter OF mud-that you may help spread
st. when It pleases you to do. and be there 10
whitewash It over. II unsuited to your party
choice-and this comment will not have been in
cain.
We have too many people in this country who are
prone 20 leave their politics the politicians much
after the same fashion as they leave legal diff
hcuities 10 their lawyers their diseases 10 their
phvsicians-and shoulder their sins upon their
Savior Politicians like It too. quite well DO
the lawyers. NEEDLES and clergy. Lawyers, are not
prone TO encourage study Of law by the Masses
do medics favor the family doctor book The clergy
have always condemned heretics the thinkers in
matters OF theology who have proposed any ad-
vance-and the politicians just keen the
lawyers doctors and cergymen. to keep the masses
under their thumbs. They DO not encourage the
rank and file" 10 study platforms and principles;
are indeed. largely instrumental in the Inaugural
ton OF the mud-hurling contests-sometimes 10 de-
tract attention from the platforms and principles
This is particularly true. for instance, when it is
platform like built Chcago-and
few respects one or two planks like that other
one at san Francisco-and intended
too close inspection
It IS high time that we people Of America cease
this subserviency TO the politicians in these mat
tiers Things would be the chaotic condition
that they are today were they not playing the peo-
PIE fools. Congress would have dared to let
year slip BY without at least attempt at recon
legislation. contenting itself with throwing
mud az the president and the League of Nations.