New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-22
TIRE FIRST DAY AT CHICAGO.

The thirteenth Republican National Conven-
ton began its work yesterday at Chicago in q
mood OF bUoyant cheerfulness and settled con-
hdence. Seldom has the party entered a ma
tional canvass in SO cOntented and harmonious
spirit, or with flattering an assurance of
success. Not a cloud darkens the political hori-
zon The Republican party goes before the
country the record OF two extraordinarily
successful administrations In no other period
OF our history have national interests been adj
vanced more steadily. more brilliantly and with
less strain and friction than in the eight years
covered by the administrations of William Nc
Kinley and Theodore Roosevelt
The party presents for the Presidency a can
didate whose capacity IS proven, whose rec
ord is already history, whose personality is re-
spected wherever true American ideals have
found n Observation-Disclosures courage, honesty,
frankness and fair dealing are honored as the
essentials OF personal character and enlightened
craftsmanship. With such candidate and
such a record the Republican party faces an
opposition without an issue and without a
lender, anxious only TO evade its recent past
and TO unearth Il Presidential nominee OF I'M
known views and undiscOverable purposes. In q
still hunt contest of that sort the Republican
party has as little TO fear as it had in the ap-
peal-at least open and outspoken-made by the
Democratic party in 1896 and 1000 TO the forces
of unrest and discomfort which Turk within the
American body polite.
In his admirable address as temporary chair
man of the convention. Mr. Root sketched yes
terday in detail the notable achievements of
the last two admnstrations-achiey on
which the Republican party now confidently
asks vote of approval and another four years
lease Of power. Here is his lawyerlIke con-
densatiOn OF that record
The first administration OF Mckinley fought
and won the war with Spain, put down the in
surrection in the Philippines, annexed Hawaii.
rescued the legations in Picking. brought Porto
Rico into commercial system. enacted q
protective tariff and established our national
currency on the firm foundations OF the gold
standard.
The present administration has reduced taxa
ton, reduced the public debt, reduced the
nual interest charge. made effective progress
IN the regulation Of trusts. fostered business
promoted agriculture built up the navy, re-
organized the army. resurrected the militia sys-
TEN. inaugurSted new policy for the preserva-
ton and reclamation Of public lands. given civil
government 10 the Philippines. established the
Republic Of Cuba, bound II to us by ties Of
gratitude. of commercial interest and OF com
mon defence swung open the closed gateway OF
the isthmus, strengthened the Monroe Doctrine
ended the Alaskan boundary dispute. protected
the integrity Of China opened wider it's doors
OF trade, advanced the principle OF arbitration
and promoted peace among the nations.
AS Mr.. Root rightly says, the party challenges
judgment on that record Of effective perform
ahce IN IeSlslotlon, IN execution and in ad-
'ministratiOn." What counter exhibit will the
Democratic party be able 20 construct next
month convincing enough to shake public trust
in the leadership under which the latter half
Of this record was accomplished? What guar
antecs or promises can It give OF better public
faith or more efficient public performance? Are
the American people ready 10 abandon the poll
cies OF the last two administrations. or 10 in
trust their execution TO unknown and per
chance feebler hands'? That IS the great ones
ton which the campaign OF 1904 will raise.
The indications are that the Democratic party
Will ask the country TO change leaders blindly-
TO elect a new Chief Magistrate whose pro-
gramme and personality are alike unknown"
Against this unknown" the Republican con
vention cheerfully Stands pat Oh its nominee
and its record. To dis;rust the outcome of such
contest would be 10 deny all the teachings OF
experience and TO indict the political Judgment
and the political capacity of the American
people.