The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-12
REASONS FOR LEAVING THE DEMO-
CRATIC PARTY.

The Salt Lake Tribune prints letter
City, Utah, giving his reasons for leaving
the Democratic party and Joining the Re-
publican. Mr.. Holton is prominent lawyer
of that locality, and has been a recognized
leader of the Democratic party and once
or twice elected to office by it. His reasons
for leaving the party are such as are fore
ing themselves on the minds of intelligent
Democrats in many parts of the country.
Briefly, he says that the battle of Manila
bay. the liberation of Cuba and the acquisi-
ton of the Philippines ushered in a new
era in our history and raised issues on
which the Republican party has been clear
ly right and the Democratic party conspic-
uously wrong. Assuming that 1t was the
duty of the government TO put down rebel
lion in the Philippines, to establish civil
government and free schools and to guar
antee the people the blessings of freedom,
he says: Il regret sincerely that my party,
by methods of obstruction, vituperation
and abuse Of the soldiers of the Republic,
have made that duty more arduous and re-
tarded by their influence the progress Of
American arms" Mr.. Holton says he cam
not defend such policy and will no longer
follow those who indulge in it.
On the question of trusts he finds that the
Republican party is the only one that has
made any attempt to regulate the evil in
the past or that is trying to formulate a
policy for the future. He thinks President
Roosevelt has sounded the keynote of
action in recommending national regulation
and control, and that while the difficulties
of accomplishing that may be great, they
are not insuperable. "Denunciation and
senseless abuse OF corporations and trusts
he says, 'fs more than useless. Remedial
measures are alone useful. Practical legis-
lation is required, and to 1t the Republican
party stands pledged
The attitude of the Democratic party on
the tariff question is condemned because,
under protection, vast industries have been
| developed and fostered and have become
such a mighty influence in our economic
| life that it would be most disastrous to
| wreck them. Surely" he says, mo benefit
can come to Americas toiling millions If by
unwise meddling we precipitate industrial
panic and collapse" He concludes:
Thus upon all the great living issues of
| the day that press upon us for solution
gressive and statesmanlike, and they pro-
gressive and statesmanlike and they pro-
pose solution OF the problems involved in
| full accord with the cherished ideals of ma
| tiOnal life and the best welfare of the peo-
| pie. The attitude of the Democratic party
seems to be simply one of obstruction, with
| no living issues and do-notning policy.
! The times demand constructive statesman
! ship of the highest order. We have become
| a great world-power in arms, in statesman
| ship, In invention. in industrial develop
| ment and civilizations; we have become a
| potent factor I'm the worlds progress Our
| light can no longer be hid. Let us
| preach the gospel of contentment and hope
| and opportunity, and not be the gloomy
prophets of despair and doubt; our faces
| must turn to the rising and not the setting
| sun. With Webster, / say, Let our duties
be enlarged to the circle of our felcities
| let us not be pismies in a cause that calls
4 for men,
This letter is interesting because it shows
| the influences that are working among
Democrats of the Rocky mountain anc
| Pacific coast States. They are generally
broad-minded Americans, and, with the
silver question dead and buried, 1t is prob
able many of them will leave the party a:
| the Utah man has dona HE raoeopirr 4.