The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-08-25
POLITICAL ALTAR IS TOO
 OFTEN BAPTIZED IN BLOOD
kentuckians Have Had Such Siren u- ous and Bitter Experiences for Years In the Political Arena
 They Are Hard to Interest
BY j. R. HoRNADY.

Louisville, Ky August 24.-(special.)- This might well be called the morning after" with the republicans of Kentucky. The roar of the opening battle in which the principal charge was led by Secretary Taft has subsided, and the casualty list Is now being inspected, while the ques- ton Is being asked: How many Of the enemy were captured" 2" The democrats, who were supposed to furnish the victims for the occasion, are also interested, but thus far, it is claimed, they have been un- able to find where they were damaged.
 In the opinion of the democrats, and doubtless this opinion Is shared by many republicans, MT. Taft has made a mis- take in trying to bring about the surren- der of southern democrats while endeaVor- ing at the same moment to make peace with the negro. His remarks on the negro question were. 1t Is believed, in- spired by the terrific fight which has been made on the administration by Sen ator Foraker, who has been using the black man as a club, and were born of a desire to make peace with the dusky brother, whose vote Is an important fac tor, not only in Kentucky, but in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and several other states. His zeal in this direction, 1t Is argued, rather impaired his efforts to convert southern democrats, and it is not be- lieved that the address will change any votes so far as they are concerned. It
 Is also regarded as doubtful that the negro voters will be favorably influenced frl.z ,,f af irta aH with "Brownsvillitls, the germs of which have been diligently spread by Senator Joseph Benson Foraker, and the olive branch extended by Secretary Taft is not likely to cure them. They know that the committee which has been Investigating the shooting up of Brownsville will sus- tain President Roosevelt in his stand on that outrage, and they know also that Mir. Taft will stand by the committee re- port when 1t submitted
 In view of the conclusions above enu- merated, the conviction is l.owing that while it was a mighty happy event, every body shaking hands and cheering, and the band playing exuberant airs, the Taft meeting in Kentucky was not particular ly productive as vote getter.
 During the week the republican candi- date for governor, MT. Wilson, has been touring the state, and if there is any thing in the criminal code that he has not charged the democrats with, he would doubtless appreciate having his attention called to 1t, as it Is clearly his intention not to overlook anything. How much good this campaign of indictment will do his ticket, offers an interesting subject for debate. There are some who think that there has been enough of such talk In Kentucky, and this conviction Is grow ing since former 4dayor Earth of this city ended his career because of the in- situations and charges made against his character. The altar of politics has too often been bathed in blood in this state, 1t is said, and there is a growing con victlon that the time Is at hand for politi- cal leaders on both sides to devote their talents to issues which maKe for peace and prosperity rather than in the direc- ton of bloodshed and disorder.
 The advent of MT. Taft in Kentucky of course, resulted in great deal of talk among the leaders upon national poll tics. and the facts crops out that the opin- ion obtains here, as in Ohio, Indiana, iili- nols and many other states, that MT. Roosevelt will be the nominee of the party "Taft Is good fellow" is the verdict. but Roosevelt can't get away from the nomination."