Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1934-01-25
An Opportunity For Service

The 1884 political pot has begun to simmer. In
Sheridan county, like every part of the state and
nation. there is already much talk Of prospective
candidates. Inasmuch as this is an off year for the
election of rate Officers. most of the gossip centers
around aspirants for county office and the state leg
islature.
The national administration is moving along on
quite an even keel under the capable leadership of
President Roosevelt. People Of every party are fell
lowing that leadership. This year general political
observers expect 10 see paris lines swept aside and
find a wide expression Of approval Of the Presidents
Recovery Program reflect isself in state and even
county elections.
Unquestionably lie Democratic party in Mon
tana and sheridan county Is occupying a most stra-
tegic position. The test Of its ability to function in
the Interests Of public good will soon be demonstra-
ted. The success and effectiveness of thai demon
stration will depend largely on the class Of leadership
the party determines 10 follow. first. as to It's own
organization, and, second, as to the candidates 1t
would propose to place in office.
The political situation in Sheridan county is
~singularly conspicuous as to its needs. We seriously
doubt if there is another county in the state where
conditions would make II possible 10 apply the same
party principles in securing likewise effective re-
suits.
Strict party lines have been sacrificed for the
common good. In this way in 1882 Communism
was dealt a crushing blow III the e0unty-the only
way 1t could have been accomplished. It was not a
question Of whether a man was a Democrat or a Re-
publican, but was he competant to fill the office,
and was he ANTI-COMMUNIsT!
AS a result Of that consolidation of forces, the
foes Of representative government were defeated
and a group of men placed in. office in Sheridan
county whose efficiency and honesty will rank with
the best in the countyis history.
In the past two elections Republicans have
looked to Democrats 10 make this united front pos
sble. They do not have to look in vain. There will
be ample opportunity this year to show an apprecia-
ton of that assistance. The obligation is clear. Some
will fail to see It, but they will be those who are not
motivated by principle-the opportunist who wants
pay, place. and power.
The Democrats have a real opportunity for ser
vice in Sheridan county this year. The party now has
calm. sensible leadership. Naturally, its first activ-
ity should be to uphold and support the progressive
principles of President Roosevelt in national affairs.
This will undoubtedly be done by an endorsement for
legislative office of those who believe in these prin-
ciples. That done. however, the party's duty becomes
one of service to the taxpayers in the county, and
not to politically ambitious office-seekers. In what
ever way the interests Of the greatest number of our
own people can be served. that should plainly be the
route to follow.
No other course will justify a party's existence.
BY no other right can it hope to merit the confidence
of an intelligent electorate.