The Jamesburg Record

Both of the political parties in the new Assembly at Trenton have begun under the most favorable conditions—both will be under the shadow of a Cross; and though the Democrats are to be led only by an Usher, the Republicans will be led by Storrs. Of course the latter must be given some time before we can reasonably state whether these Storrs are of virtue or of self. Some say it is Sewell's Storrs but he should have a chance for his Murphys.

There are Democrats and Republicans and Populists in Congress, but there are few or no patriots, judging by the miserable muddle now being made of legislation. If there were patriots there, they would get together and remedy the existing evils. A Republican administration wasted public treasure and mortgaged the country to pay a Dependent Pension Bill. The Democrats who succeeded them are divided on methods and the corrupt element are selling their votes to the trusts, and ruining the credit of the country. The decent Democrats are sufficient, with the aid of the Republican members in either House, to effect any reform and carry any measure, but will the Republicans help them? Not they. They would sooner see our country's credit the football and scorn of the world, so that it might also ruin the Democratic party, rather than lend a hand as Americans, as lovers of their country, to save it from financial shipwreck. They are no better than the men they ridicule. When men hold personal or party supremacy dearer than country they cease to deserve any higher regard than we give to the corrupt and venal.

In our article on investigations last week we attempted to make plain the wrong done by investigations that are projected solely for the making of political capital for one party at the expense of the one under fire, especially when the assertion is made that such work is done for the benefit of the people.

We want to assert most positively that the people are never served in any case unless theft is proved, the thief convicted and imprisoned or some of the stolen goods are returned.
The City Club of New Brunswick has done a good work in fighting corruption at the county seat, and in the past some of its leading spirits have done even greater service, but we would warn them against being led on to injustice by being made the tools of the Republican party.

And while on this subject it is well to note that the crusade against political corruption in our county was begun by Democrats, made successful by Democratic support and is led today by prominent Democrats. In the meantime the Republican party is made the beneficiary of their efforts while not bearing any part in the fight. If the Republican party wants to attack the Democrats in the coming Spring elections let it assemble now and put itself on record by the appointment of a committee to assist the City Club. If it will not or "dare" not, then let the City Club make its own ticket throughout the county, recognizing the parties equally in representation and avoiding all affiliation with either of them. Let the Republicans not point solely to Democrats under fire, but look at some of its own and speak the condemnation for them which it does not hesitate to visit upon Democrats.

"Let not a guilty man escape," is a good motto for honest investigators.