The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1905-11-17
ROOSEVELT FOR 1eos7

Mr.. Walter Wellman. always inter.
estins as contributor to current po-
ltical literature. was never more in
teresting than when ne recently IT,
Illuminated an opinion. which he says
is held by prominent southerners, that
Mr. Roosevelt will be nominated for
president by the democrats in 1908;
that the republicans will ratify the
action of the democratic convention.
and that the president will be re-elect-
ed by practically unanimous vote.
In the present unsettled state of the
public mind all things are possible,
no doubt. And there Is no denying
Mr.. Roosevelt's personal popularity
among all clases of people. II is i'm
possible, however, at this time to con
seive that the democratic party will
20 to the limit of hysteria and nomi-
nate Mr.. Rooevelt, and IL the former
democratic senator in Washington
who unloaded this opinion on Mr..
Wellman who has no other basis for
his prophecy than the cordial recep-
tion OF Mr.. Roosevelt in the south, the
matter might as well be dismissed.
The issues that are coming TO the
front in the United States will have
be met. not by the hilarity and good
fellowship which marks q popular re
eeption OF the president, but by sober
minded consideration and sound judg-
ment. Thinking men in every section
are mindful OF the presence Of condi-
tions which portend grave danger TO
the time-honored American institu-
tions and these conditions cannot be
disposed OF In y hurrah spirit.
just as wise men have foreseen, the
contest for supremacy between the
eormorant and the commune cannot
be- esposponed much longer. The radical
ism Of the one has challenged the rad
icalism Of the other. and in the crisis
which such a contest imposes democ'
racy must find its highest duty AMI
greatcst opportunity.
Up TO the present time the southern
democracy has stood for justice, con.
seTvatism and sanity. and If there was
ever q time when II should stick 70
it's guns along these lines II IS now.
The great masses Of northern people.
republicans and democrats. have gonc
daft under the stress OF radicalism.
Between the communist Of pelf,' as
Mr.. Cleveland termed II, and the com
munism melted by poverty wretched-
ness. injustice and greed, lies the mid
die ground OF safety and the southern
democracy should not desert II.
There is nothing In Mr.. Rooseyelfs
Official life to attract men who adhere
to the ancient principles of democra-
cy handed down to us from the fat
ers. He has done some fine talking.
but talking cuts little ice in govern
ment. We applaud his eloquence about
the square deal, bu. are patiently walt
ing for him to make a move againe
Dingleyism. the breeder Of more in
Justice than any infamy that ever re.
ceived the sanction Of the government
in time Of peace. II is the cold doc'
from which q square deal Is impossl-
Lle. and Mr.. Roocevelt has not made
= move to relieve the public from IT,
Injustice it imposes. Mr.. Rooevelt has !
shown many times that he will not !
theoretically oppose his party leaders, |
and in the absence of a brave def |
,ince of them there is noting IN his |
record to justify democrats In depend /
ing upon him foe the reforms th
must come. and come quickly If the |
country is to escape widespread dis |
aster.
A cool-headed. conservative AM |
righteous southern democracy may |
prove the salvation Of the situation
within a few years. and If thee
was ever time when hysteria and
excitement should be avoided il is