Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-02-02
GOOD REPUBLIcANlSM

Coolidge the man, rather than Tor
Coolidge the partisan, nevertheless.
the Republican party here has OPP
portunity by its support of Coolidge,
President. and the keeping of its
pledges to emphasize association
with that type of public men. Its
leaders have decided against being
associated with the La Toilette
Brookhart type Of politicians. >
National Chairman Butler, who
conducted what we believe to have
been the cleanest campaign ever
conducted in an American election,
addressed the Republican Club Of
Massachusetts,, Tuesday. He de-
clared it to be his opinion that the
two-party system in this country is
''the greatest Matchmaking influence,
which has made our federal govern
ment virile and enduring"
1T has been largely due to our
system Of party government that
the legislative and executive
branches have been. not only able,
but willing to work together har-
moniously. This is because the elec-
torate has sought to secure eXecu-
tive and legislative branches of the
same complexion politically. They
were able to bring about this har-
mony through the party system.
One can readily imagine the antago-
nism and chaos which might easily
ensue in the conduct of our federal
government If it were not for this
harmonizing fact and the recogni-
ton of its value by an intelligent
citizenship.
"This brings up again to the reali-
zation of the need and value of
party solidarity, and party respon-
sibility in the conduct Of public af-
fairs. Where the executive and the
legislative control is in the hands of
adherents Of the same political party.
ity. But where the legislative
branch is dominated by one party,
and the executive by another. we
have no one party responsible for the
conduct of the government. Under
these conditions. despite the fact
they have fully complied with the
provision Of the federal constitution.
there is always a lack Of progress in
public affairs, and most frequently,
retrogression. In other words. our
system of party government Is es-
sentially a supplement to the federal
constitution If we are to have re-
sponsibility and effective govern
ment."
Hhe expression of such conclu-
sions following a demonstration OF
futility on the part Of the bloc-man-
ap,d system, which the country has
been undergoing, are refreshing.
Senator Butler was equally happy in
reminding his audience that the last
election was a thinking election,
that the man, who thinks before he
votes, votes right: that the Republic
cans must develop a program such
that the voters Of the country will
turn to that party; that petty am
billions must be shelved: that we
must have leadership practical In its
manifestations but idealistic in its
ambitions:" that the party must not
depend on one plank alone; that the
country Is weary Of blocs: that there
must be party loyalty; that we
should recognize the dignity there
really is in politics; that political
participation at the best lis wear
ing task, one in which the rebuffs too
often outweigh tie rewards"
And let us not forget this: "There
Is no service more important and es-
sential to our well-being in govern
ment than sane, wholesome un-
Outstanding in politics" The dis
tinguished speaker did not overlook
the fact that the direct primary has
tended to weaken party responsibility,
loyalty and efficiency; and that this
Is a problem we are forced to con-
slider. None Of us should overlook
the very important fact that the
primaries have contributed material
ly to the bloc chaos which has been
reigning in our Congress, and which
the radicals expect to see reign
again.