Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 287, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 December 1914 — Why Not Have a Big “Home Coming” Banquet Real Soon? [ARTICLE]

Why Not Have a Big “Home Coming” Banquet Real Soon?

Republicans in Jasper ©aunty took -their sweeping victory with ■becoming modesty- A demonstration -was- suggested, by some but. others thought it was not best and there was mo celebration whatever. It was generally believed that this action would irteet the approval of our friends, the progressives, and many of them have said that they heartily approved the commendable attitude of the republicans In some places now republican banquets are being held, invitations being given to all progressives on equal terms with republicans and being given a full share in the festivities, including the arrangements and the program. We theMove that Jasper county should do this very, thing. Other elections are coming on and it will be only a short time until national politics will be demanding our attention. We believe that it is a plainer duty of citizenship than ever before for every citizen to take "part in- the early organizations of their party, and to express themselves relative to their views on all public matters. They can best do this by taking deep interest in things that aTe political, for after all that has been said about politics it is an essential part of citizenship and every man owes to his country consideration of its needs and an expression through his party.

The greatest criticism offered against the republican party was that it had become separated from the people and was not doing their bidding. The indictment was both just and unjust. It was just be*eau«e itj'was a fact, it was unjust because those who made the criticism had themselves failed to do What they should have done as citizens to make it. the peoples’ party. Now the need of this is plain and every man should take time away from busipess and pleasure and other things long enough to attend the organization meetings, long enough to help to select delegates, to nominate tickets, to make ‘ platforms. Gut progressive friends are our best citizens* just as we republicans as a party Claim to be. We are all-equal, all desirous of getting the best laws for the purpose of the greatest good to the greatest muflber, We have had a little quarrel and have' learned ■some lessons and now stand face to face with flank acknowledgement of our errors and, ready to clasp hands and go on together. The Republican hap no fear for the future except the laxity "of interest on the part of the great mass of citizenship. The word militant is tolly expressive of our needs. Success is attained *by combat, in polk tics as well as business. The Republican believes that great permanent good* not merely party success' but actual benefit will result from a get-together banquet. We suggest that our progressive friends talk with us and us with them about this matter.and that it be made "a -country-wide affair. Wihat say others?