The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-09-28
Tie Peoples Forum.
A Precedent Not Wanting.

To the Editor of The Washington Times:
Enthusiasm in politics has always occupied
prominent position in the minds Of those
who have to do with Presidential nominations,
and in many casss it has been an important
factor in the result Witness, net TO 60 back
too far. the two-time election Of General Grant,
who, nobody will suggest, would have ever been
thought Of in connection with the Presidency
but for his war record and the fact that en-
thusiasm for some kind Of a record badly
needed at the time. Few there are now who
viii challenge the record of either Of HIS terms,
although many doubted his ability to I'll the
position.
Garfield, Arthur, Hayes. and Harrison all had
war records. and many votes were won for
these men by the enthusiasm Of their admirers
and all made strong records as President
Mr.. Roosevelt was elected Governor Of New
York at a time when it is believed no other
Republican could have been elected, and the
enthusiasm for his war record, no doubt,
cast the deciding votes in his favor.
Mr. Bryan. at the Chicago convention which
first nominated him, won the place on the
ticket simply by the stampede caused by zen.
thusiasn" raised by his wonderful speech, and
nothing else would have gotten him the nomi-
nation-for he was practically unknown.
Looking over the Democratic possibilities for
the nomination TO the coming contest-Hin,
Cleveland, German, Parker. ETC., etc.--wili
somebody suggest what brand Of enthusiasm
VIII be opened by any Of them to help carry
the votes Of the majority Of the people to the
Democratic ticket next fallY
Hill! Who would connect enthusiasm with
Mr.. HI The cool, calculating politician, dis
credited time and again by his own party, and
who, who has heard him speak, but would
suggest an audience Of frogs to listen TO his
harsh, croaking voice?
Cleveland cannot win third term.
Mr. German is the strongest Of all Of these,
but his political record is against him, and
his methods are too much like Mr.. Hills, al
! though he is a very smart man.
Judge Parker would make strong candi-
date, but enthusiasm is not one Of the in
gradients OF this quiet, judicial mind, and
without it the Democrats can't win.
There are. Of course, those who viii disagree
with me in the above, and in what Is to follow,
but as outsider of the Democratic fold q
have always voted the Republican ticket, it
seems TO me there is no chance for the Demo
Gratis, unless they can raise up a large amount
Of enthusiasm for some candidltes-and there
is no enthusiasm like war and naval records.
Besides, there are thousands OF independent
and even Democratic votes that will 20 TO Mr..
Roosevelt, II purely political candidate is
nominated by the Democrats. These same voters
would relish nothing better than a slap at the
present Administration, which has seemingly
chastised, rebuked, and discredited Democratic
heroes, by chance 10 vote for these same
heroes as a vindictien of their records
ticket headed, as Col A. G. Pope, of the
Pope Manufacturing Co., says, by Lieut. Gen.
Nelson Miles, would show the wisdom OF the
Democratic party, and Mr. Pope is q very
stanch Republican.
ticket reading Miles and Sehley would poll
the largest Democratic vote since Mr. Cleve-
lands election, il not larger. and II the ticket
makers think Admiral Schley was hurt by
the findings Of the court that reviewed his
| actions during the war with Spain Q don't
think anybody else thinks so), then there is
Admiral Dewey, who. though not so strong as
Schley, owing 10 his having received pretty
much all the reward possible for his achieve
ments. Admiral schley has not, and believe
the American people would elect Miles and
schley, II any Democrats can be elected: and il
they weren't smart enough for their joos, WIN
get a Cabinet Of politicians and wise men tc
run the Government for them. R.R.L.
Washington. Sept. Is.