Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1905-12-22
FRIDAY. DECEMBER -, 1908
"FoLLowING RoSEvELT"

1t is absurd for men to say that the
democratic party has abdicatcd, simpl!
because representatives OF that party
give their support to democratic prin.
ciples and policies, ever when those
principles and policies are advocated
by distinguished republicans. The time
has long gone by when statesmen or
political parties can gain advantage by
attacking their own principles because
men who formerly opposed those prin-
ciples are persuaded to adopt them.
Senator Foraker WIS %eminently
correct when he said that the railroad
rate plan Endorsed by President Roose-
welt is a democratic measure During
threc successive presidential campaigns
the democratic platform spoke uncquiv-
ocally in favor OF the very plan now adj
vocated by the president, and during all
these years the republican platform was
silent on that question. At least since
1896 democratic statesmen and demo
cratic editors nave preached tho doc
trine OF railroad rate legislation rs it 10
now preached by President Roosevelt,
aud that method has been lis reSOlutcls
a~ntagonized by republican editors.
The democratic party stands for Ger.
tain well defined principles, and 1t
would 10 absurd il it did not support
those PRINCIPLES even when distinR uish-
ed representatives Of the opposition are
converted to the democratic doctrine.
II any considerable number OF dem
ocrats admire Mr.. Rooscvclt's public
policies today, it is only insofar as lie
has embraced democratic doctrine.
Men who approve OF his clear state.
ments with respect to railroad leg
~islation have nothing but pity for his
evasion with respect to the tariff
question.
Men who approve OF the carnestuess
with which heinsists upon the prosecution
Of tho beef trust conspirators have no
respect for the readiness with which he
throws the protecting arm Of his adj.
lninistration around the powerful Paul
Mortono who violated the law.
Men who approve OF his high-sound'
ing essays with respect to the evils OF
corporation contributions to cam aign
funds remember the advantages
obtained by bis own administration
through corporation contribution and
recognize the fact that no has not
suggested adequate remedies for the
OWL, nor has he called upon his own
party TO "put it back"
Men who approve OF his declamatious
against special privileges and in favor
Of popular government generally, have
no sympathy with his hint thai the
already 90 highly favored banking eye,
TEN shall be favored beyond all reason
with the privilege OF nu asset currcnc!
Men who applaud his assertions that
he is i'll favor Of policies that will result;
i'll tho greatest good to the greatest
number have nc sympathy with his
Endorsement Of the chip subsidy
scheme.
IL is safe to say that whenever and
wherever Mr.. Roosevelt email adopl
democratic policies, embrace democratic
principles and move i'll behalf OF the
public welfare nlong democratic lines,
no will have the cordial support OF
democrats generally. But it is an in
suit to the intelligence Of tho American
people to say That when representatives
OF II great political party act on these
lines they act to the de:riment of the
Of tho prestige Of their political or.
gnni2ation.
Democrats follow Mr.. Roosevelt only
90 fur ms ne hews to the line OF public
iDterCste; and il any one shall cay that
VIC arc not justified in declaring that
Mr.. Roosevelt news to the limo OF public
interests only so far rs he adopts demo
cratic policice, then wo invite attention
to the the fact that MIR. Roosevelt has
increased his popularity among .hc
tho people only M no advanced
along the pathway which has been
blazed 10y the democratic party. In
other tyords, democrats "ioliow" Mr.
Roosevelt ouJy ~ Mr.. Roosevelt
follows dcmouracy.-Commoucr.