| Show EVEAIT DIVIDED I I There is much comment among people of both political parties over the equal division idea said to be entertained and promoted by certain leading men That is that the proper thing for the citizens of Utah to do is to become so nearly equally divided into Democrats and Republicans that a very trifling diversion in either direction would change the political situation Or as some unkind persons intimate that by a simple turn of the wrist a master hand could manipulate the politics of the state This notion sprang no doubt from the expressed desire of prominent men that the cause of animosity in the past against the majority of Utahs people that Is their unbroken solidity at the polls might be removed by their affiliation according to choice with the two great political parties of the country That the division on national party lines of the former Peoples party was a wise step we believe no experienced person in either party will now dispute That the time for it to be taken was opportune we think will be as generally conceded But there is a question as to the manner and extent of this division On what principle ought it to be conducted con-ducted Should it be by evenly dividing divid-ing the voters up by order oi advice or any sort of management having in view merely a balancing of numbers We think not We do not admit there has been anything of that character If there has we pronounce it a mistake mis-take to use the mildest term applicable applic-able The only right way for the people of Utah in common with other citizens of the United States to take a position as to party Is by obtaining an understanding under-standing of the principles and purposes pur-poses of the respective parties and by freely choosing for themselves which party shall have their support It is true that everybody has not sufficient independence of mind and force of character to say nothing of intelligent Intelli-gent comprehension to do that fully There will always be folks who lean on others for a guide as to politics as well as other matters But the rule we mention Is a general rule and is the right one to follow Sincerity and fidelity In politics may seem like an irridescent dream to some people Policy and expediency may regulate their political conduct But the soul Impressed with the responsibilities re-sponsibilities and duties of true citizenship citi-zenship occupies no such shifting ground and is swayed by no such paltry motives A man who loves his country and desires Its welfare will exercise his personal Influence on his own agency In that direction which to him seems right He will examine the ground closely and when he chooses his position he and others will know o 4 jiiIIIMlt1ollijw where he stands and that he is there from intelligent and personal choice The evenly divided proposition implies im-plies two things First some one to direct the division second people willing will-ing to be allotted to their required III places It is out of harmony with a republican form of government It I violates the first principles of democracy democ-racy As we have said we do not admit ad-mit its adoption in Utah There may lave been attempts on the part of some individuals to effect what has been uttered merely as a wish by wiser men Desiring to see an equal division of people into parties and endeavoring to bring it about by dictation persuasion persua-sion or pretended authority are two widely different things I Coming down to actual facts in Utah it Is well known that the leanings lean-ings of the great body of rhe people here were towards the Democratic party But many of them were com i paratively uninformed as to the theories of the Republican party Therefore their Democracy was not a I fixed inclination The greater part of j I the adherents to the Liberal org Tlwa I tion were Republicans as to pavty The present Republican party of Utall is composed of former Liberals men who 1 had always affiliated with that party I members of the former Peoples party who became converted to the protection protec-tion bounty and strong government ideas and a few who jctiuei it as sheep follow a bell vvetnei or who having no fixed political status thought one parti as good as anther and believing that the equal division I notion was the right thing went into the Republican auks ti help bring it about This latter class is small As a rule the people of Utah htive studied political I politi-cal principles closer than is generally believed The jlejton fiffuies hvw that while the Republican party has rapidly grown from the cemenis we have described th3 Democratic party has not only heLl its own as to nyn bers but has materially 5rcreited i notwithstanding the hard times coincident coinci-dent with the Democratic ascendancy and the influences brought to bear upon them of various hinds to lead them astray i It is clear then that however strongly the even division idea may have been entertained by some and industriously worked up by others the masses of the people have taken their own course and followed their own political po-litical choice They should now be left to that entirely The only influence brought to bear in either direction should be that of reason and fair discussion dis-cussion to convince mens minds To that from either or any party no one can justly object Even or uneven as to division be the preponderance one way or the other the free choice of the citizens should be left untrammeled untram-meled and there will be no permanent peace for Utah if a contrary course is taken |
