Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-05-10
CAN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY REDEEM
ITSELF?

A prominent leader Of the republican party, re-
siding in Santa Fe, heard to say recently that
while he conceded the defeat of present state OIL
Gals should they again, it would be possible 10
win with group of candidates
In the same conversation this man insisted. as
we already believe, that Governor Mechem is we'll
intentioned man but is so hemmed in and emoar-
raised by political pressure that he is unable to act
as he would wish. This may be accepted as true.
Where then comes the hope from bunch OF
new candidates long as the present political con-
ditions continue to exist in the republican party
What reason is there for the belief that the same
influences which embarrass Governor Mechem Will
not equally control anyone who may succeed him.
1t seems to us that this republican in his eagernes
to defend his party and the present administration,
made a fatal admission.
1t must be perfectly apparent to mere novice
in politics that the trouble is with the organization
Of the republican party and not solely with speciilc
officeholders Any other group Of men put forward
by this organization will suffer from the same en-
barrassments which have ruined the Mechem ad
ministration.
The troubles of the republican party are mu'h
more fundamental than the simple question of
whom the nominees are to be- a change in can
didates may fool of the people; may inspire
others with hope that things may be better in the
future and may supply still others with an excuse
with which to ease their conscences, but 1t will
never reach the basic trouble which makes success
stye republican administrations failure
As long the politico-financia group is in
position where the party must accept its money in
order to carry elections, that group Will demand
concessions from the party as compensation, which
are against the public interest 1t will fight for
special tax concessions; control Of the public
monies control of the public lands and other things
which are an unconscionable highway robbery OF
the people.
AS long as sec. Romero Ed Otero and their kind
are supplied with this money to maintain their dom
inaton in their counties they will be in position
to dictate to the party and to the administration.
The loss Of the support OF Otero and Romero cost
Governor Larrazolo denomination, as 1t will airy
man who dares to defy them, as long as conditions
unchanged.
These men are narrow. bigoted, arrogant and
malicious and are interested in nothing except their
own selfish plans. The governor dares not dismiss
incompetent or dishonest official who is part
Of their organizations.
1t does not require expert eye to see that
these are the OF the successive busts of the
republican party
Yet II the contributions of the politico financial
group rejected, the party must change its policy
or It cannot win. Something must be substituted to
attract the voters to the party. That something
must be definite program of progress to which
the party is committed in good faith and which 1t
will carry out when returned to power
But such men as Romero and Otero will not
consent to good-fath commitments and will quietly
marshal their forces in the legislature TO defeat the
necessary legislation.
1t is idle to hope that these men Will voluntarily
relinquish their hold on the party. 1t will require
a surgical operation to amputate them from the
body polite They powerful that the party
has the ability to dismiss them from leadership
The Journal is unable to see at this moment, any
route to redemption for the republican party ex-
cept singing defeat. When these men repu-
dated by the people emphaticaly that it is clear
leadership. there is hope for change. when these
longer control patronage and policy. their local fol-
lowing will fall away from them.
If anyone can point out any hope for the
demption OF the republican party except through
the valley Of defeat, we would be glad to listen
Such a defeat must be administered by republicans
themselves who chasten the party they love in order
to bring 1t TO its
Secretary Fall is reported to have said that there
is no republican party at present in New Mexico;
that the present local leadership has destroyed It.
We regard the statement of fact as correct but we
fear that Mr.. Fail is attempting to get out from
under. His connivance with Hawkins and Sully and
Otero is largely responsible for the situation which
he now processes to deplore. The demands of his
friends brought about many OF the present evil con-
ditions in the party
The republican party in this state needs states
manlike leadership. Where is it?
II that civil in China keeps up somebody IS
likely to get hurt.