Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 83, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 June 1908 — LOSES JOB FOR POLITICAL ZEAL [ARTICLE]

LOSES JOB FOR POLITICAL ZEAL

Prof. Samvel E. Sparling, of Wisconsin University, Martyr to Partisanship. Prof. Samuel E. Sparling, Instructor in political science in Wisconsin University, arrived in Rensselaer last Saturday,and brought with him the Information that he . had severed his connection with that unviersity, after having been a member of the faculty for the past ten years, and a graduate before that time. As Sam studied and taught political science he gradually began to take an ineerest in its practical application and for some years he has been interested in the political affaire of the city of Madison and the state of Wisconsin and a student of the political affairs of the nation. He entered the arena of politics in Madison, where he was elected a member of the city council, which office he administered in harmony with hie ideas of reform and he served in the city council fbr four years. At this time Robert M. LaFollettee entered into the political life of the state and he was elected governor. Sparling was 'his fast friend and ardent admirer and aided in his election. When the new civil service law was adopted Sparling was made chairman of the commission by Governor LaFollette, and he held this office until Davidson was elected governor.

Since LaFollette entered the political arena there have been three classes of people In Wisconsin, viz. those who were for LaFollette, those who were against him and those who played the game of policy politics and claimed to be for either side as the winning outlook appeared. Sam was for LaFollette, body and soul, and never let an apportunity pass at home or away from home to boost LaFollette’s good qualities. But LaLaFollette was unable to defeat Davidson for governor and Davidson soon disposed of Sparling from shh chairmanship of the civil service commission. Prof. Sparling expected this and when Davidson adherents told him that they would get his “hide" he was prepared for any thing that meant. The members of the faculty of the university are employed by a board of of state regents, on recommendation of the president and the regents, are appointed by the governor and since governor Davidson hae been at the helm of state government he has been selecting a board that he could contol. Prrof. Sparling was recommended for his old position by thepresident and dean of the university, but the board of regents has turned down the recommendation and so Sam finds himself the martyr of his political enthusiasm. It is a case of political spite and Prof. Sparling is not caring a bit thdt he has.beeit.let out, hut like all - good politicians he is a bit sorry because of the means that accomplished iA During many years Mr. Sparling has been an author of works on political economy and for some time he published a paper in Madison in the interest of municipal reform. He has been everlastingly down on graft~amf was instrumental in having the present civil service reform law passed in Wisconsin. Two years ago, after diligent study in Washington, D. C., he wrote a text book on business organization, which enjoyed a mammoth sale, and which is now the text in several universities and schools. It is probable that Prof. Sparling will not again enter university work, as he had for some time been thinking of getting out of it. He is a joint owner with his brothgc Bert of a 240 acre farm just southwest of Rensselaer, and for the summer h« expects to remain there. - He is now engaged in writing a book and wilt probably complete it before he considers any other occupation for bte time. While Sam has been a martyr to his political zeal he will probably lose nothing by it, as he has A staunch friend in LaFollette, who will probably cut a big figure In national affairs and not lose sight of a friend who has sacrificed so much for him. Don't buy a porch swing until you have seen those at Worland’s. The best swings ever handled In Rensselaer and at right prices.