Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1906-06-07
putv of Demoornta.

Referring 10 the probable attitude Of
the Democratic members Of the General
Assembly during the special session that
has been called for tho purpose Of enabling
the Republican party to complete the
sale Of the Senatorship, democratic
Glasses in the Sunday Star says;
"The Democrats have resolved 10 keep
hands off in the extra session. This may
be wise OF it may not. Glasses thinks
It makes no difference, one way or the
other, unless, indeed, the moral effect of
a silent protest counts for something. Il
is an exclusively Republican function,
and il is fitting that Republicans should
manage it. The State has no interests
Of great importance at stake and Demo-
Gratis therefore are not violating any
duty. They must, of course, attend. and,
having done that, their duty is done"
This is a very practical and sensible
statement Of the Democratic situation,
but not to be accepted as an absolute
rule.
The real Democratic duty may unfold
as the session progresses. As a general line
of conduct it will be well for the Demo-
cratic members of the Legislature to
adhere to policy of non-participation, as a
protest against the unwarantable i'm
position upon the people of costly legis-
lative session for the sole purpose of set
Ting disgraceful squabble over a public
Office. In this they viii be iustifable
But circumstances may arise where
Democratic participation would be ad-
visable. Democratic members may pro-
pose some measure of wise and proper
legislation such as the repeal of the
abominable Voters Assistant law. for
instance and in this event It would be
their duty 20 endeavor to secure its en-
actment. Also, should some Repub-
lican member propose appropriate and
desirable measures, il might not be good
policy for tho Democrats 10 refrain from
giving them approval Such situa-
tion, however, is so improbable that il
is not worth consideration at this time.
But, above all, the Democratic men,
bers should make protest against the
gross injustice OF tho special session in
every manner possible.
The nomination Of ex-Mayor Edwin
S. Stuart Of Philadelphia as the Republi-
can candidate for governor Of Pennsyl-
vania appears, on the surface. like a very
shrewd political move on the part Of
Senator Penrosc. Stuart stands we'll.
both personally and politically. in Phila-
dolphia, has no serious entanglements.
and is likely TO command the approval
OF President Roosevelt. Whether hs
will prove a winner or not, il is pretty
sure that Penrose, by nominating Stuart
has secured the Endorsement Of the
national administration.
In its municipal government the city
of Cleveland, Ohio, is a very independ.
ent community. The political senti-
ment OF its people on national affairs /.
largely Republican, but they have
elected and reelected Tom L. johnson
a prominent Democrat, to the mayoralty
because he gives them good administra.
tion. In doing this Cleveland sets an
admirable example TO every other cit,
in the country, particularly to the cit,
of Wilmington. We have distressing
need for a Mayor johnson here.
There are Republican politicians IL
Kent county who would dearly love {,
get Harry A. Richardson into the Sena
torial contest. But the probabilities
are that too many Addicl,s Republican,
have been coralled by the du Pom
leaders If enough of the latter coul,
be drawn TO Richardson to prevent
, nomination on the first ballot there woul,
not be the slightest doubt Of his nomina
ton but unfortunately for him. there i
little prospect Of more than one ballot.
= Election bribery received two blacl
; eyes at Dover, yesterday-from IN
Episcopal Convention and from IN
anti-Sunday trains meeting. The latte
p gathering was not confined exelusivell
{ 70 protest against travelling on the Sab
bath.