Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1904-04-07
WHAT "STAND PAT" MEANS.
II Kcpresents "a Dire Extreme. 81 Par
ty Forced Against "a Wall.

ty Forced Against "a Wall.
Dcmocracy's disposition toward exist
Ing evils and injurious institutions
which have fastened themselves in sub
stantial growth is. and ought to be,
sane. Ther" is no desire on the par:
of Democracy to wrcak mischief. to
destroy without regard for the vel
far" of Legitimate business. There is
no mind to do violence where sound
method will achieve a better end.
Democracy will pursue no hysterical
purpose, but rather Il calm and srien-
titic course of eradication consistent
with tie least disruption.
But, Oh the other hand. it will by 40
means content itself with the Kind of
conservatism expressed in Mr.. EooS"-
velt's famous backdown message on
the tariff ana trusts. in which he de-
clarcd that the evils in these institu-
tions We're overmatchcd by the good
and that to disturb the evils would be
dangerous. In fact, the operation of
attacking them at all seemed to him
to be SO very delicate chat he declined
trine of federation of ills and submis-
sion to injury.
Democracy will not consent to view
as ''necessary evils such matters as
federal corruption mulcting tariff pro
lection and the palpabe disorders of
the trusts
Speaking upon the tariff, Representa-
-
read address exhibited the sound and
dscrilninative views which characters
ize the Democratic attitude. saying
that his party had no desire to de-
noliSh the tariff at Il single blow, to
explode it With dynamite or to pull
down its pillars and throw down the
structure with Il crash. 1t would re-
quire 4 considerable time to recon-
strlct Il tariff on Democratic priuci-
plies. In his opinion. though the par
tvs final intent WAS clear. TO Democ-
racy Il tariff virtually represents a tax
upon consumers. a Democratic tariff,
therefore, should as nearly as might
b" provide for equal taxation of con-
s}lmers for :!n equalzed charge upon
consumption OF tie thing consumed.
Mr.. Williams thus correctly interpret
ed Democratic conservatism. Repub-
lican conservatism is Il missioner I'M
less the English language has suffered
a distinct loss of meaning. The Repub-
lean party stands pat on it's federal
Scandals on the trusts, on the tariff
and especially on its machine organizl-
ton now in the flower Of development
The Republican party is loath to fore
90 the more abundant fruitfulnesS
which eight years perfection of Il ma
chine holds forth 1t is obliged to seek
vindicatien upon its past record, it.
past lloIitics 1t is l,igidly held by cir
/ clnlSt;uceS to the defense of its ca
reer, It's purposes. its attainmCnts
i Change of attitude is utterly denied it
] Its forced position. from which the
] times admir- of no escape, is expressed
in the unfortunate phrase stand pat
i signifying extreme neGation. excluding
the idea Of determination to act, to ina
prove. to move at all: denying intcn
ton and suggesting impotence Of will
Stand pat is the position of Il dire
extreme, 4 party forced az inst a wall
! Can there he conservatism in s,lch al
ultra stti1ude:
/ The country is thoroughly tired OF
stand pat which denies not only til,
/ possibility of remedy, but the existence
/ Of essential wrongs. Democracy will
move along a middle course carefully
/ guarding against unnecessary damage
seek kjng gradually to effect dcsirabl,
! changes Louis Republic.