The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1893-06-07
cLARksoN's PROGRAMME.
b Shows That tho Erstwhile Republics
Leader Has Read the Handwriting.

h Shows That the Erstwhile Republican
Leader Has Read the Handwriting.
John l.. Heaton says in the New York
Recorder that j. S. Clarkson in his
speech before the Louisville convention
of Republican clubs pointed out good
path for Republicans to follow if they
expect and hope to save their party from
dissolution. The expressions of promi-
nent Republicans and the party press
show clearly that there is not the slight
est intention of following the lead of
Mr.. Clarkson, and Mr.. Heaton will find
that the platform which embodies the
best thing in Clarkson's programme will
be left with the Populists. whom he now
recognizes as it's possessors.
Mr.. Heaton says 'sthe Democrats are
abusing and ridiculing" these propo-
sitions Of reform. ''They would never
take this trouble if they did not deem
them dangerous" The following ex-
tract from Mr.. Heaton's article is good
reading:
The Democratic party is handicapped. 1t
must either abandon entirely its traditional
views of the constitution or remain q brake
upon the wheels. The Democratic mule,
thrown upon its launches, its heels clawing
the mud in its frantic effort to hold back an
irresistible force, will present q spectacle no
longer fearful, but ridiculous.
To change the simile the Jacksonian DEM
ocrat, with his curt comment upon every pro-
posed forward step: But We can't, you know.
It's unconstitutional" is like the legendary
Englishman who, asked to save drowning
man, stammered: Il cawn't. you know. We
haven't been introduced"
ITO promote the general welfare" is consti-
tut1Onaf warrant enough for every forward
step which General Clarkson has proposed and
for many more which he might have proposed.
A one term presidency has long been a favor
tie proposition with reformers, usually with
the provlsO that the term be made six years.
With or without frightening, a one term rule
would benefit the public service.
The election Of senators by the people is not
un-Republican doctrine. The reform would be
difficult Of accomplishment, but it is distinctly
popular with third party men. That's what's
wanted
| Government control of the telegraph is mere
~ common sense. Why should we lag behind
ether civilized nations?
Good roads2 Who objects2 Tax the national
credit for 'em If you like, and you shall see the
mule, footsore and muddy from rough ways,
pointing its wistful ears toward the regretted
rear as it emits its habitual bray, "Unco-o-on-
SLlCu-u-u-LlOna-a-a-l, spectacle Tor gods and
men.
Woman suffrage? Certainly. About every
new party formed in the last 20 years has IA
vored it. It will come by degrees anyhow. Why
not be chummy with the inevitable?
Thus far General Clarkson. He might have
gone further-the party might go further-and
declare for national water reservoirs and irri-
cation works; for deep water canal from the
lakes to the sea; an inland water route from
Portland to Galveston; the Hennepin canal, an
excellent measure. which has been roundly
abused by eastern papers after their parochial
fashion; government control of the railroads
(here again we are woefully behind the times),
and possibly other good and necessary meas
ureS.