Year: 1873

Ordinarily the result of the Republican State


Convention lately held in Minnesota, at which


the ticket Of the gentlemen who have for some
years controlled the politics of the State was
defeated would have no great significance. 1t
might be passed as simply very bitter quar-
rel and close contest between two factions OF
politicians in the same party, each intent on
securing offices for itself But this was not
so much quarrel of factions as revolt against
the rule of Ring. The roots Of itrun deeper than
any Temporary sentiment of hostility to the
governing clique or any local Jealousy. 1t
grows out of the prevailing uneasiness and
dissatisfaction at the arrogance and presump-
ton Of the self-appointed leaders of the party
in power The people of Minnesota, like the
people of the other States, have had reason
to complain that certain combinations OF men
who make their living by politics control the
State They have the ear of the Administra-
ton at Washington, and consequently the
disposal of the Government patronage.
The oficeholders are their dependents, and
of course ready to do their bidding. The
whole machinery of the party is in their
hands, and by means of it they have held the
State Offices and all the State patronage. And
the machinery has worked hitherto smoothly
and tremendously. The fat of caucus and the
sanctity of regular nominations have held the
party up to the ratification at the polls of
whatever these men have decided on in their
secret councils and carried ont in their more
open conventions and assemblies.


The newspapers, especially those supporting
the Ring, are eagerly discussing the causes of
the revolt and trying to make it appear that
the opposition to the nomination of VIM. ID.
Washbum for Governor was almost entirely
personal. 1t is much more than that. No
thoughtful observer of the drift of political
opinion for the past six months can have
failed 20 notice the growing distrust of the
so-called political leaders. In Minnesota, as
in nearly all the States, the politicians have
intrenched themSslyss strongly as
to have come almost to believe In their own
impregnability and at the same time in the
utter creduiity of the people. SO they 90 upon
the stump like Mr.. Matt. Carpenter to defend
the Salary Grab with sophistries they would
be ashamed to insult a justice court with, or
like Mr. Butler they turn the protest of the
people into a shallow and shameless jest. We
are much mistaken if the Minnesota over
turning OI UnO M6ll pans VI bhO w doh-
burn Ring does not grow out of the wide
spread awakening upon this subject. 1t is
part of a general insurrectiOn against Ring
rule and the consolidated power of the mere
politicians.


1t nay be that Minnesota is no worse off
than dozen other States in this regard
Possibly the Ring that has been running the
State so long and that has laid out so careful
a programme for the continuance of their power
has not been specially corrupt or dishonest
That is not the essential point The fact is
and al our political history illustrates and
veriies it, that no combination Of men such
az are found in what are called the Rings
we care not how patriotic and pure
the individuals who compose it may be-can
continue in uninterrupted control of State or
Nation any great length of time without be-
coming corrupt, tYrannical and dangerous. 1t
is utterly contrary to the spirit of our insti@
tutions and the genius of our government, to
allow cliques and combinations of men to in
trench themselves in power and place as the
Rings have in Minnesota and other States. There
comes time always, govern they never so
wisely and never 80 honestly, when the duty
of free people is to rise up and, taking them
by the throat, say TO them, "Step down now;
your day is ended" That is what has
been done in Minnesota and what, we family
hope, is in progress in Pennsylvania.


There is, of course, much disturbance