The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1922-10-11
POLITICAL IDEALS"

Tom Stout, one time member of congress from
Montana, and defeated candidate for nomination
on the Democratic ticket for United States SEN
ator, in a long item of comparison of the Repub-
lican and Democratic parties makes some weird
claims for the latter. Among other virtues claimed
for his party, he makes the assertion that it has
always had an ideal to which it clings, and al
WAYS works for the improvement and development
of the spiritual, as well as the material welfare of
the people.
That beautiful sentiment, expressed IN the
sweet phrases of the gentleman from Lewistown,
carries a soothing balm to Tom, no doubt, and
he probably gives credit to that "ideaP' in his
party for his defeat and the success of B. K.
Wheeler in the primaries. If the party he so
~profusely extolls for it's virtues, did not see in
him the material for carrying forward its ideals"
whatever they are, and did select his successful
opponent for that same reason, it is hard to figure
out just what the hopes of the party may be for
the spiritual improvement of the people of this
state.
Taking the statement of Mr.. Stout for a basis
of reasoning, it will be difficult to understand
how B. K. Wheeler can fulfill the claims made.
Here is a man who stood before the convention
Of the Nonpartisan league in 1920 and offered
himself as their candidate for governor, upon any
ticket they might select. Party loyalty did not
mean anything to him, just so he received the
votes that would land him in the governors of
fee. There did not seem to be much of the ideal
in his attitude at that time. He declared, after
the Democratic ticket had been stolen by the
league, and he had been nominated on it for gov.
ernor. that he was for the league program in full
That program did not fit very smoothly into the
principles of the Democratic party insofar a:
represented by loyal Democrats such as Henry
L. Myers. They could not and did not accep
B.. K. Wheeler, and opposed his election upon part,
principles.
The present situation is very similar to thos
existing two years ago, except that Mr.. Wheele
now declares himself to be a real Democrat, file
with the ideals of which Mr.. Stout is so prouC
Yet at the same time Wheeler is asking for an
receiving the support of those radicals who
1920 helped him wreck the Democratic part
ideals and all. He has just changed lead horse
in the tandem he is driving, and is the same vot
seeking politician of two years ago, attempting
drive the party he claims to represent, into pr
senting him with a more important office tn;
he was seeking then.
The prospects for electing B. K. Wheeler
the United States senate are very slim. His pa
performance is against him, and his record
always standing for Wheeler first, and everythl
else only considered as a secondary matter W
cause many honest, straight-thinking Democrs
to vote for Carl W. Riddick. There are two re
sons for not electing Wheeler. One, he is n
a Democrat, only insofar as he believes it "
bring him votes the other is that his pronounc
opposition to the federal administration, wol
make him a minus quantity in the senate.
In the speeches made by Wheeler, at the De
Ocratic convention in Helena, and elsewhere O,
the state, he has devoted most of his time
criticizing President Harding, and the congre
He has stated his attitude to be against the Or
ent administration upon all matters of natio
Importance. That being his position, the GU
ton arises, what could he do for Montana in
senate? AS a member of the minority side
the senate, one who might be partially aggeea
to the administration might obtain favorable