Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-05-08
OFF YEAR REFLECTION
Spirit Lake BeacohI

In these quiet off years the republic
can party Is making its bed and ehoos-
ing its bed fellows for 1908. The one
man in th. party sure of election Is
Theodore Roosevelt, If he would per-
nit the use OF his name which Is by no
means probable He would be nomin-
ated on his personal strength, in spite
of party mistakes of past or present.
ANY other candidate will have to so to
the people on the record of his party
and his personal utilization with men
and interests.
The party outlook at this time Is by
no means reassuring. Reform VIII
have to strike a rapid gait If within
two wears the standpatiers now IN con-
troll are to be endorsed by the progress
sive movements agitating few OF the
states. If not, then the republican
PARTY must answer to the country for
the offensas committed in the name or
standpatism and its corporation ALI
ances. Suppose Fairbanks is the nom
inee. In his personal character he
stands approved before the country as
Christian gentleman. There is moth
ing in his record particularly inviting
TO condemnation. But these things
would be utterly obscured by the fact
that he has been closely allied In party
and public relations with that which
is becoming more and more offensive
to the commons people. He would be
the choice of Elkins and Aldr.ch and
with such as these would party leader
ship be lodged 1t would under such
circumstances be impossible to free
ha TO in the
presence of the people from alliances
with the most offensive, and. If you
please, the most dangerous elements
of the country. Fraudulent insurance,
prostitutea tariff, arrogant monopoly.
senatorial paralysis - these would be
the issues uppermost in one of the
most memorable struggles in Ameri-
can politics. In view of the bold and
shameless attitude of national leaders
of standpatism can it be expected that
the party may hope to escape from the
rising tide of wrath manifest among
the Intelligent masses? These leaders
are so joined to their idols of greed and
graft and party tyranny as to be hope
lessly blind to the perils by which they
are confronted.
The democratic party is fully adj
vised as to possible opportunity,
Bryan has for ten years had the con-
fidence of the country in a personal
sense. He has grown in conservatism
and in discretion. With united party
behind him and a fairly reasonable
platform beneath him he will be a
mighty political factor If to the re-
publican party is linked the putrid
carcass of standpatisn. The indepen-
dent voter is more and more in evil
dance He cherishes in his heart love
for the party Of his fathers or of his
pride in early manhood, but he is first
patriot. 1t might be, doubtless
would be the part of wisdom for him
to remain in the old party and con-
tinue the work of renovation, but it
is by no means safe to assume that he
will not strike the Gordian knot of
corporation ENHANCEMENT by methods
more direct.
The republican party may live for
ever if it will be true to it's records and
traditions. If it will be wise in its
leadership and strong in it's claim upon
public confidence as it has been in the
past no political combination can pre-
vail against it. But it cannot turn its
wheels with waters fled. 1t cannot
worship at the shrine of the Mammon
Of corporation unrighteousness and
retain control of the political des-
TIMES of this nation.