But his late friends, the reformers, happened
to be in the ascendency that year and he was defeated.
The story told of him at that time, whether true or not, that he
announced his willingness to take as his bride any estimable young
lady the organization might select, since the fact that he was a
bachelor was given by his henchmen as the reason of his defeat, is
typical of him. The "organization," the Republican Party,
constitutes his political creed and philosophy. He has devoted his
life to it. The "party" is his life, his religion, his family, his
hobby. Down in his soul he believes that the destiny of the
American people is so inextricably interwoven with its fortunes
that its destruction would be nothing less than national hari kari.
He does not believe that the Republican Party is perfect, but he
believes that it is as perfect as any political organization is
ever likely to be. He has no illusions concerning the men it
chooses for high places. He is never disturbed by stories of
political corruption or graft unless they are serious enough to
jeopardize forthcoming elections. Otherwise they are merely
unpleasant incidents that arise in the life of every business
organization.
If he were supreme he would not tolerate political corruption, any
more than he would tolerate murder; but since he is not supreme and
cannot dictate to all men, he accepts their efforts in the interest
of the organization even though their hands may be slightly soiled.
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