The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-07-06

OF Kinks OF 1uCg-
Il ment prone to develop In a
partisan view of things, and
looking at the Kansas City proceed
fngs as we would look at any non
political occurrence of similar magni-
tude and Importance, what do we see?
The country is prosperous; lndustri-
Gus men have good opportunities either
to sell their labor or invest their saw
ings; the conditions which affect the
everyday life of the American people
and which are subject to human regu-
lation through the processes of gov
ernment are, upon the whole, favorable
and encouraging. The prestige OF our
country is higher than it has ever been.
Not only the studious of all nations
but most of the population of the world
look today with respect upon the
American national emblem and real
lie that 1t stands for one of the great
world powers. The American abroad,
in virtue of this widened appreciation,
commands a measure of respect new
in the annals of foreign travel.
In fact. If you We're to draw an
average Of the situation as it
lures of national and personal life
which are Influenced by the policies
carried into effect from WASHINGTON
and were to compare 1t with similar
averages for prior four-year periods
since the foundation of the republic, 1t
n
average of today would be quite likely
to represent high-water mark in Amer
lean achievement, development and
prospects, Certainly it would be near
the top.
Yet what do we see at Kansas City?
Satisfaction over this happy result? I?
Pride in the expansion which has
brought 1t about? Confidence in the
rulers and in the councillors who have
participated most effectually in this
great epoch of American advancement? q?
Serious, sober and intelligent applca-
tion of intellect and Judgment to the
problems which are in the van of this
wonderful development? Not for an
instant. The language is wholly of
fault-finding and denunciation; the
tone is pessimistic; the style dema-
gogic; the air surcharged with envy
and discomfort. The appeal from be-
ginning to end is directed to those at
tributes of man which respond to agi-
tation and exaggeration and which
yield to class prejudice. To stir up
strife Is the intent; to bring on a state
of popular feeling in which men, fol =
lowing their passions rather than
obeying the dictates of their seasoned
judgment, viii upset the existing con-
servative order of things and enthrone
the fallacies and fanatics of Popullsm.
In pursuance of this plan the KAN
sas City gathering gives tumultuous
ovation and commits its implicit al
legiance to young man of mushroom
growth in the politics of our country,
a growth resting upon no substantial
demonstration of craftsmanship or ex-
ecutive capacity but wholly upon nat
ural cleverness in speech, deftness in
the turning Of phrases expressive of
SOCIAL unrest, and psychological anti
tuue for the theatrical in public af-
FAIRS. In so doing it emphasizes that
ItA emotions have command over its
horse sense, for if 1t were to consult
tHe latter, as its saner leaders have
vqnly advised, it would discover that
along such line of political ferment
the Democracy has not the ghost of a
SHOW of carrying the next presidential
electon.