Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 May 1901 — Ideal Political Courtesy. [ARTICLE]

Ideal Political Courtesy.

The forward movement in courtesy which began in journalism has spread into politics, and, if the case of Becker vs. Becker may be taken as a sample, with results that will inevitably be productive of universal brotherhood. The facts brought out in this case are well worthy of the attention of all those who believe that harmony should take the place of discord in all the relations of life. John Becker and William Becker, neighbors, though unrelated, were opposing candidates for highway commissioner of Sugar Loaf,, St. Clair county, 111., at a recent election. Neither had sought the office, and each accepted the nomination as a public duty, but proceeded at once to do campaign work for the other. On election day each stood at the polls and urged voters to cast their ballots for his opponent. Each received 132 votes, with one ballot doubtful! A lawsuit was the result, each of the contestants filing a petition for a recount, in the hope that the other would be declared elected. Contrary to the prevailing method, each endeavored to make the contest as agreeable and inexpensive as possible to the other, John Becker going so far as to serve the papers personally upon William, while William served them upon John. This cut off the baliff’s fees, and William treated John to a dinner from his savings, while John set up for William the choicest refreshments to be had in Sugar Loaf township. When all the testimony was heard the doubtful ballot was given to John, which broke the tie, and me was declared legally elected, much to his disappointment and the joy of William. The latter insisted on paying half the costs of the case, and also the railroad fare of John to and from the county seat. It developed in the trial that each had employed a lawyer to show that the other had been elected. Journalism has not as yet reached this point, in its advance toward the ideals of courtesy, but it is certain that the politicians will not be permitted to carry off the palm without a contest. As an evidence of the trend of newspaper thought in the direction of the amenities, it may be mentioned that the editor of the esteemed Canton SemiWeekly Gazette, In its current issue, alludes to the editor of a contemporary as “a base and shameless scoundrel,” showing that the good influence is at work, and that the forward movement Is unchecked. *