New-York tribune., 1907-01-09

political Independence. These men are prone
to misunderstood wherein real independence
consists because of their inexperience or exces-
siyely academic ways of thinking. Somebody
with more leisure than the Secretary of War
enjoys ought to write popular demonstration
of the need and value of highly organized pollt-
cal parties. The bulk of better citizens famil-
lar as they are with the exigencies of modern
business and government, need no lectures TO
convince them that Mr.. Taft is right. But,
unhappily, these days of dissatisfaction ana
heightened morality have brought with them
new and honest recruits for the radically lnde-
pendent ranks. To these Mr.. Taft would
appeal by showing that real independence IN
politics lies in the opportunity to influence party
policy He does not deny the value Of the nde-
pendent voter; neither does he urge blind and
slavsh partisanship upon anybody. He merely
declares what any business man recognizes
namely, that the highest efficiency for good as
well as for bad is found in the highest degree or
organization The independent voter does not
see that the functions of criticising and check
ing the ruling party-functions so dear to the
independent-nre much more effectively per-
formed by the "out" party than by an inchoate
herd Of closet politicians.
As who has been judge on the bench,
Mr.. Taft utters advice pregnant with solemn
warning. The American citizen must freely
serve juries If our institutions are to en-
dure. Part of the blame for the current con-
temptible practice of jury lodging Mr.. Taft
puts upon the bench and the bar. Our courts
tolerate dilly-dallying and useless, misleading
gush on the part Of attorneys who are more
interested in cash than in justice. Men busy in
earning a living naturally shun the needless
tedium of spending weeks in the jury box over
a case which might fairly be settled In a day
or two. The comparison Mr.. Taft draws be-
tween the English and American court proce-
dures is not flattering to us.
No note struck by this statesman rings out
more loudly and clearly, however, than his plea
for maintaining the supremacy of the law. In
preaching this as the highest duty of the citizen
Mr. Taft reveals healthy minded conservatism
that ought TO be allowed to work as an anti
toxin in our seethng social order which Is al
ready dangerously poisoned with indulgence OF
anarchy, lynch law and sentimental jures. The
Secretarys words are the words of a prophet
clear, calm and bold, they should be proclaimed
from the housetops TO a needless people.
The sign of great soul is It's charity toward
its enemies. In the fourth address Mr.. Taft,
speaking a member of the National Exec
utive, says that it is the duty of a citizen to
criticise the administration freely for out of
such criticism-and out OF it alone-arise In
sight and understanding. To the press should be
allowed full freedom our people are intelligent
enough TO discount distorted news" and to
reduce scare heads 10 their proper size. At
the same time the citizen should realize that
popular government Is inevitably series of
compromises and ought never to be condemned
too scholastlcally. In reply to those critics who
declare that the National Executive Is usurping
power in high handed fashion, Mr. Taft calmly
remarks that the case is reversed Congress has
encroached upon Executive prerogatives. More
over III Stll holds the purSestrings OF the nation
so that no appointment or other act of the Presi-
dent can be consummated without the approval
Of the national legislature
In the face of the attacks of the anti imperial
lists, the anti-federallsts and other ant-thinkers
Mr. Taft maintains a breadth of view and a
wealth of charity that mark him as a dlspas-
sionate observer. an experienced statesman and
progressive and large hearted man. Men OF
all parties and of no party will benefit by read
ing his little book, so lucid, direct and sincere
And the hour Is at hand when thousands of cit
liens confused by the turmoil of many preach
ers preaching gods long dead and gods unknown.
would gladly listen to this simple gospel hrel
or experience and thoughtfulness