The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-01-27
COmfOrt-and Warning

matter herein are also reserved.
COmfOrt-and Warning
Those who place In the Democratic
party their hopes for a publication
OF the state government will find
both comfort and warning In the
gathering Of that party held here
Thursday.
The comfort comes from realiza-
ton Of the tremendous interest which
is being shown in the Democratic
party as an instrument for service
to tho state. The record which
Franklin D. Roosevelt has made In
the nation enlists the support Of
many North Dakotans. II they feel
that the party can do for North Da-
kota what Roosevelt has done for the
nation they will flock to 1t in suffi-
Gent numbers to make 1t majority
rather than an insignificant minor
ity organization. In tho hope that
the group will be truly representa-
tive of popular demand, many al
ready have indicated q desire to give
It their allegiance.
The fact remains, however, that
the party and It's leadership in North
Dakota has yet to demonstrate any
such capacity; gave little indication
at the meeting here that it can or
will do so. II it fails to do what the
MISUNDERSTANDING people OF the
state expect it to do, they will not
hesitate to cast it aside and the OPP
portunity of lifetime, politically
speaking. will have been ruined.
Comfort comes from the fact that
the party, having been nothing to
reckon with In the last quarter CEN
fury, has no bad administrative rec
ord to live down. The possibility
exists for it to offer the voters of the
state really new deal which will
eliminate much Of the political horse
play and shadow boxing to which we
long have been subject.
The warning lies in the obvious
possibility that this chance will be
lnuffed just as other, though less
fortuitous ones, have been bungled in
the past.
Among the newcomers who affili-
ated with the party for the first time
in the Roosevelt campaign, there is
the feeling and tradition Of victory.
These promise new life, new energy,
new hope and new leadership for an
organization which long has had, as
its sole reason for existence, the dis
tribution OF federal patronage on
those infrequent occasions when the
Democrats have controlled the ma
tional government.
Some Of the oldsters, 1t was made
apparent here, have no desire to go
farther than that. Having accom-
plished their limited goal. they are
content. There are signs that Ger
tain element in the party is afraid
Of opportunity; actually fearful lest
circumstances force them into a po-
sition Of responsibility for which
they have no stomach.
This condition exists, of course,
only under the surface. Every party
adherent, apparently, is singing the
song Of victory even though it is dis
tinctly premature. 1t seems the thing
to do and so they are doing it, but
the tongues in the cheeks are all too
evident.
It should not be overlooked, either,
that the unusually fine attendance
at the meeting here was due, at least
in part, to the uncertainty which
still exists within the party fold.
Many jobs have not yet been appor-
toned to the faithful and the cur
rent meeting offered splendid oppor-
tunity for many to demonstrate their
party loyalty In = way which all
could see.
Clouding the Democratic chances,
also, is certain unsavory tradition
which must be eliminated before
many straight"thinking voters will
have faith. This is caused by par
ticipation In numerous deals and
trades with the Republicans within
the memory Of most voters. Many Of
those who were active when those
trades were made still are powers in
Democratic ranks. The onus which
attached to those deals has not been
entirely dissipated. It Is an intangi-
BILE thing but an important one be-
cause "as 2 man thinketh in his
heart % i he" and any group which
sold out Ia the past may sell out
again.
That the opportunity to trade win
not b wanting y evident from the
present situation IN the Republican
ranks. The Democrats are in splen-
did position to sell" II they care to
do %. They certainly will not lack
offers. They also are in position to
take . chance on winning II they
choose 70 ignore any messes Of pot