Gilpin observer., 1904-10-27
A UNITf5 DEMOCRACY.

The Democrats are united as they
have not been before for ten years, and
Parker and Davis will receive the
normal vote of the party with q good
many recruits from their opponents.
The Republicans are split into fac
tions on several issues. Nearly all the
old Hanna machine mens are dis
gruntled as they see young element
Of their party In the saddle, and they
will not pull hard on the traces unless
they are paid for their work either in
money or promises. In West Virginia.
Delaware. New York, New Jersey,
Massachusetts, and Wisconsin the rival
Republican factions are intent on de.
feating each other, and one or the
other faction have no faith in or love
for candidate Roosevelt, though most
Of them declare publicly they will vote
for him, but many will secretly knife
him. In these and other States there
are minor factions, and important Re-
publicans who, while keeping within
party lines, are opposed to their candi-
date for President and do not mind
saying so in private conversation. The
glamor of the Rough Rider has worn
off, ard the business interests of the
country have more weight in politics
than the imperialistic element.
That is the great danger to the
Rough Rider. The farmers have dis-
hot o
them and that the high price of wheat
is more than Offset by the increased cost
of what they buy. The workingmen
are organizing politically for their pro-
lection, for the Republican majority in
Congress refused to listen to their
prayer for legislation for the Eight
Hour bill, the anit-injunction bill and
the other lesser laws labor thinks nee
essary for its salvation. All the Re
publican leaders favor the open shop
and most of them are openly il
sympathy with the parry organization
of protected trusts and manufacturers
Wages are being reduced and strikes
are numerous, and the cost of living
is still advancing. which does not in.
spire confidence in the economic poll
cies Of the Republican party Of those
who are suffering from loss Of wages
and increased cost of food.
The trusts have decreased the profits
of the small storekeepers. while rents
and household expenses are higher
than ever before. and the opportunities
for increased business are monopolixed
by the great department stores. who
can purchase of the trusts at much less
tuan the small storekeeper has to pay.
People with limited incomes find
their expenses have increased while
their revenues are stationary. All these
people are inquiring why the trusts
should be protected by the tariff in
selling their products at the highest
possible price here and q much lower
price in foreign countries. Many Of
the voters have discovered that the
tariff prevents competition and fosters
monopoly, and that the increased cost
for their products that the monopolies
Government receives.
The revenues of the United States
are declining and the expenses are
greater than ever before in time of
peace. Not only have the expenses of
the Government increased much faster
in proportion than the population, but
neither President Roosevelt. his Cab
met. nor the Republican majority In
Congress have offered any solution OF
the problem. but are all intent on
Letting well enough alone" and have
paralyzed the industries of the coun.
try with do-nothing policy by fighting
all proposals for reform.
The Government departments are ex.
. travagant and filled with grafters
which the Republican party has re-
fused to investigate, although evidence
was plentiful that but beginning had
been made in exposing the frauds
through a partisan investigation of but
two bureaus of the Post Office Depart
ment.
knowledge of all these sins of the
Republican Party is finding lodgment
in the hearts Of many voters. and they
have determined on a charge. Upon
the surface of the political field all Is
still and serene. but there are mutter
ings in the homes Of the farmers. the
cottages OF the artisan and the tenc
ments Of the laboring men that bodies
i'll for the Republican candidates. The
still small voice of reason is working
more changes of sentiment than the
hired and blatant notes of the trust
apologist can overcome. blare he never
so loudly. and there is a quiet deter
mination to turn the rascals out"