116 THE farmer's relationships. 



and yet it is the fact that v/henever a United States senator 

 is to be chosen, the members of all parties are frantically 

 adjured to let nothing prevent voting for the nominees of 

 their party for legislative positions, whatever may be their 

 opinion of tlie candidate or however much his opponent is the 

 better man. And these exhortations have a tremendous effect. 

 I do not belittle the importance of national issues, but it is 

 very rare that they are overpowering. As a rule, when he 

 must choose between them, local and state issues are far more 

 important to the farmer. A good governor is of more impor- 

 tance to him than a good President under ordinary peaceful 

 conditions. I fully recognize the necessity of party organiza- 

 tions and the wisdom of party nominations for state and even 

 local offices. A party organization is a great power, and it is 

 important to have some responsible organization stand as 

 sponsor for candidates, to be held responsible if they are 

 derelict in office, but party ''loyalty" should not be expected 

 from the mass of voters unless it deserves it, not only by ad- 

 herence to party principles, but by the nomination of upright 

 and capable men for office. Nor will anytliing have so great 

 an influence in preventing improper nominations as knowl- 

 edge on the part of party managers that voters will not 

 accept bad men for the sake of sustaining a good principle, 

 and that they will place more importance on state and local 

 issues than on those of a strictly national character. The 

 first thought of a politician is the success of his party, to 

 which he looks for his reward. What the voter most needs 

 is good government, regardless of party. I belong to a certain 

 political party with which in the main I am in accord upon 

 national issues, and from habit, if for no other reason, I prefer 

 to vote for its nominees, but if it by its nominations sacrifices 

 my important local interests to my less important national 

 interests, I will not go with it. I will vote with my party for 

 President and congressman, but if it nominates a bad or weak 

 man for the Legislature I will vote for his opponent if a better 

 man, regardless of its effect on the United States Senate. 1 

 believe that to be the proper course for all men. If the states 

 are well governed, the country will be well governed. 



