Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-11
AN ISSUE OF NEGAT|ON
Democrats Don't Believe Re-
publicans Can Make Good
TWO PROMISES MADE
AN ISTHMIAN CANAL AND ANTI
TRUST LEGISLATION.
Managers of Party in Power Think
Both Can Be Accom- o;is5cd, AL
though There Are Difficulties.

'Will the republicans be able to make
good on their promises to the people be-
fore the next presidential campaign?'
That Is a question which democratic poll
ticians are asking each other these days
and discussing with some interest They
say the republican party, through it's ad-
ministration and its Congress, is absolutely
pledged TO accomplish two great purposes
for which the people are cIamoring-the
construction OF an isthmian canal and the
regulation of the trusts. Results will be
demanded, they say, in both cases. Will
the republicans be able to deliver the
goods?
Truth compels the statement that the
democratic politicians are little bit pessi-
mistic upon both scores; they are dubious
of the ability Of the President to secure
adequate antitrust legislation, although
not doubling his intention. They doubt the
intention of the republican leaders to con-
struct an isthmian canal. They think that
hostile interests represented in the United
states Senate will prevent the fulfillment
of the plan for that great work, at least
during the time intervening before the
presidential campaign. In that event. they
will hold the republican party responsible
and take the case before the people, conf
dent that public wrath will be wreaked
upon the party in power
An Issue OF Negat1on.
To this extent, therefore, the republicans
say, the democratic hope of success is
based upon an issue of negation. Having
no issues themselves, proposing nothing
definite, tangible or pra actical, they only
hope, it is claimed, to benefit through the
possible failure of the other fellows to
carry out the plans they have laid.
1t is regarded in political circles as
little bit unfortunate for the democratic
pessimists that the chairman of their ma
uonal committee, Senator James X. Jones,
the leader of the party, indorsed and voted
for the republican canal plan. He saw no
Interior motive in the majority's action. but
was ready to and did support it heartily.
Still, it was the action of the ajority
and doubtless the majority will be held re-
sponsible in case of failure.
1t may be stated that the republicans are
not blind to the possibilities of trouble in
the event Of their failure to get results
upon these two questions. The republican
managers think that they can do it. They
say the republican party is the party of
action-of results. II is accustomed to de
livering the goods
Thoughtful men in the party 90 not under
value the difficulties in the way; they know
the obstacles which will be presented from
time to time. But they think that the
pressure from the great mass of right think
thinking men in the party will be sufficient
to push all obstacles out of the way and
secure the accomplishment Of the objects
to which the party is pledged.
The impending campaign is regarded as
but preliminary to the struggle for the
presidency later Some democrats in Com
sress nave expressed the opinion in private
conversation that it would be better for the
democrats to lose the House this fall They
urge that the democratic House could ac-
ccmplfsh nothing and might only demon
strate divisions of sentiment among The
democrats.