Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-29

lar history, and we should be able to Judge
what policies and what administration will
best advance our welfare We should
consider the questions before us and de-
termine them in light of the fireside with
out passion and without prejudice.
One of the uppermost questions is, Does
the administration of President Roosevelt
merit vote of confidence? This question
confronts us at the very threshold of de-
bate.
The President took up the duties of his
office at serious moment in the history
Of the republic. He assumed his great
responsibilities with due appreciation OF
countrymen that he would carry out the
policies of his predecessor. The people
were familiar with them. They were the
policies of the republican party. They had
brought the country unreasonable pros
perity, and they naturally desired their
continuance.
Administrations Compared.
Let us see what republican administra-
ton and republican policies have accom-
pllshed. We may compare democratic and
republican administrations with profit. For
tunately we have before us the records Of
both parties during the last twelve years.
Twelve years ago the country was in en-
joyment of an unusual degree of prosperity.
There work to be had every hand
and at good wages. The farmer received
remunerative prices for the products of the
farm. Benjamin Harrison was then Pres
ident-one of the ablest men who has held
the chief executive office. The public busi-
ness was well transacted. The Mckinley
tariff law was in full operation. In the
face Of all this the democratic party de-
nounced republican prosperity as fraud
and robbery of the great majority of the
people for the benefit of the few" 1t was
declared to be unconstitutional and the re-
peal Of the Mckinley tariff law was de-
r1p ed nln
ment, in the exercise Of their sovereign
rights, voted out of power the republican
ADMINISTRATION and expressed their judg-
ment in favor of repeal of the Mckinley
law, democratic promise was accepted in
place Of republican fulfllment.
General Harrison, in submitting his an
ton to the availing prosperity throughout
the country.
Defeat Brought Reaction.
The defeat of the republican party and
the consequent change in the economic
policy of the government. started a sharp
reaction in the industrial world. 1t is i'm
possible to overthrow great economical
monopolies without changes in Industrial
and commercial conditions. 1t could not be
done in 1882 and 1t cannot be successfully
accomplished today.
The four years succeeding General Harri-
sons defeat will not De soon forgotten.
They stand in sharp contrast with the years
of republican administration, both before
and after. They were four years of ar
rested development: of panic and distress
without a parallel in American history
Field, factory and mine suffered alike.
Vast armies of unemployed marched
through the country, hopelessly seeking for
of either the number of hours or the rate
of wage. To many from foreign shores
who have since then sought our hospitality
and to many of the young men of our coun-
fryy NH m ircf tirna axxrin roic hn
highest privilege of an American freeman
this may be an overdrawn picture. There
are many of our countrymen who will con-
firm it with testimony gathered in their
own hard experience.
Return to Republican Policies.
In 1896 the American people resolved to
return to republican administration and to
republican policies.
We came into power pledged to overthrow
the democratic tariff law and to enact in
lieu Of 1t a genuine protective measure.
President Mckinley, realizing full we'll the
public needs, convened Congress as speedily
as possible after his Inauguration to carry
out our pledge. Months were spent in an
exhaustive consideration of the entire SUBJ
ject, and in due time we put upon the stat
ute books the Dingley law. The republican
administration and this measure gave con-
fidence to the country. Fires were started
in the great industrial centerS. A profitable
market was created for the products of the
farms of Vermont. New Hampshire and
elsewhere. Prosperity returned and spread
her blessings among all sections and all
peoples within the ample limits of the re-
public.
The Martyred Mckinley.
Three years ago our great and beloved
leader in the national contests of 1896 and
1900 fell at his post of duty. His successor
has since administered our national af-
fairs with conspicuous ability. He has
been an earnest student of the country's
needs. He has been conscientious and un-
tiring in the discharge Of his great respon-
sibilities. He has been inspired by but one
purpose. and that has been to do we'll the
work committed to his hands.
Judged by any test we may apply. the
administrator Of President Roosevelt has
been eminently successful. The last three
years have been years Of exceptional pros
perity. Business has been active In the
market places. Industry has f1ourished
usual degree. Prosperity has not been con-
fined to limited areas, but has extended
throughout the country. 1t has not been
restricted to few, but has been enjoyed
by the many.
Domestic trade has expanded to proper
t1ons never before attained, and our ex-
ports have reached the highest figures in
our history. In short, the past three years
have been years of commercial growth, of
domestic peace and expanding power.
AS in 1892, the democratic party now de-
nounces protection as a robbery of the
many to enrich the few and pledges itself
to overthrow the Dingley law, through re-
vision and reduction of the tariff. What
will be the result of such a policy? We
will find a most conclusive answer In the
four years Of the last democratic admin
istration.
Let the American people take the demo-
cratic platform and the record of the last
democratic administration In one hand and
the republican platform and the record of
the republican administration during the
last three years in the other. and pronounce
their potential judgment.
Personal Mention.
Messrs. William F. Hunt and Samuel o.
Wendell are among the Knights Templar