The Bismarck tribune., 1934-11-08
Triumph for Democracy


the term In the broadest sense Of the
word.
They proved that North Dakotans
adhere to the system of government
set up In pioneer days. that consti-
tutionality is not q myth and that
they still regard public office as a
public trust.
II proof was needed that the people
Of our state still can rise to the chal-
lenge OF q moral issue. this election
gave 1t. The manner In which they
went to the polls In near-record
numbers demonstrated conclusively
the interest which honest government
holds for them.
The vote also paved the way for an
entirely new approach to our eco
nomic problems. It indicated will
ingness to abandon the purely po-
litical outlook, to cast aside dema-
goguery and prepare for q long pull
together In an effort to solve our out
standing difficulties.
It recognized that, over q great part
Of our state. the outstanding problem
during the last 10 years has been one
Of agricultural production as well as
ono Of price.
By their votes the people Of the
state endorsed proposals for state ac-
ton to conserve water and to classify
land for agricultural purposes. two
Of the major proposals made by Gov
ernor-elect Noodle in his campaign.
The election brings to the governor
ship . man supremely well fitted to
discharge the duties Of that office.
His broad experience and knowledge
Of public affairs are assurance that
measures which he advocates will be
constructive. His honesty and de-
termination to rid the state govern
ment Of unwholesome political in
1luences may be taken for granted.
In . very real and wholesome sense
be Is IN idealist.
He knows that . competent gov
ernment can do much for the people
and his interest as governor will be-
Gin and end with the lot Of the COM
mon man. All his life Tom Noodle
has been In position to observe the
actions and reactions Of the great
and the near great as well as those
q tho poor and lowly. That expert
ence has only renewed his faith In
tho fact that the average man Is the
heart and the hope Of America and
that his Interests, above all others,
should b conserved.
FOR years hs has been preaching
the doctrine Of . square deal for ag-
riculture. He now finds himself In
position to help bring that deal about.
It = characteristic Of him that It
win begin ct home rather than In an
attempt to impose his ideas on off,
clalS Of the federal government. His
natural reaction to any problem may
best b expressed In the thought
what can I do about it," He never
has been . man to pass the buck"
With the echoes OF the campaign
dying away. the rest Of US should take
thought Of our duties as North Da-
kota citizens. The men who have
been elected to office deserve the aid
and cooperation Of every citizen. both
- . matter Of right and as q matter
Of constructive patriotism. They
should continue to have it as long
q they deserve It.
There Is neither occasion for bit
terneas nor for unbridled glee In the
result Of this election. There Is rea-
son for sound and sober considera-
ton Of the situation which It pre-
sents and Of what each individual can
do to bring about governmental sta
bdlity and economic recovery.
Under Noodles leadership the way
win b pointed for us. Unless that
leadership Is accepted In the proper
spirit. the possible fruits Of the elec-
ton win b lost to uy.
1or. after al. the progress Of the
state depends more upon the attitude
and actions OF the mass Of its people
than upon those Of its officials. II
stNl holds true that. In q democracy
tn people are the state.