The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-04-24
Too Much Politics.

some fourteen OF llltEA months VIII
elapse before the national conventions OF
the two great parties are held, yet the
campaign for the Republican nomination
Is well under way and there is consider
able activity in some parts of the Demo-
cratic establishment, as Well Presidential
aspirants are proverbial advocates of the
early bird theory, and in this instance the
alleged conspiracy of the "reactlonary"
forces against President Roosevelt and
his policies is pointed to as furnishing
especial warrant. if not complete justl-
fcatiOn. for the commencement of opera
lions at such an early date. But, how
ever desirable all this may be from the
standpoint of factionalism or PARTISAN
ship, we entertain the opinion that it is
disadvantageous so far as the people as
a whole are concerned.
The menace OF too much politics is ever
in evidence here, and present indications
are that this year and the next will see
the potenualities in that respect become
actualties. The political news in yester-
days papers may well be cited in support
of this belief. From indianapolis came
information of a conference between Vice
President Fairbanks. Senator Hemenway,
Representative Cannon. and certain State
leaders. the purpose of which was alleged
to have been the formulation of prelimi-
nary plans looking to the delivery Of Illi-
nois' convention vote to the Vice Presi-
dent. Even if We eliminate certain Grass
improbablliues, put forward in some
quarters as facts, it appears that enough
remains on which to base the assumption
that a movement in the direction referred
10 is actually on foot.
Long dispatches from Ohio indicated
that the situation in that State is not far
different from that which might logically
exist a few weeks before d national con-
vention the outcome of which is alto
gether doubtful. Iowa added TO the COM
mon perturbation with the intelligence
that a vigorous contest for its nominate
ing delegation is on between friends and
supporters Of Mr.. Fairbanks and Senator
Foraker. Florida's contribution was
dispatch 10 the effect that First Assistant
Postmaster General Hitchcock's tour Of
inspection" had extended to that State
and that Republican leaders have assured
Mr.. Hitchcock of their inclination and
ability TO send a band Of enthusiastic
Taftites to the convention
Here in Washington. Senator Bourne.
fresh from a conference with the Presi-
dent. issued a prepared statement con-
tanning the declaration that the people
must command" Mr.. Roosevelt to ac-
cept second elective term" IN order to
Illustrate the reactonary cabaI Secre-
tary Taft returned from his tour Of the
Canal Zone and Porto Rico and, while de
clining to comment generally on political
conditions. gave the newspaper men TO un-
derstand that, before going 10 the Philip
pines. he will deliver several speeches on
the Brownsville affair and the railroad
rate law. in Ohio. where Senator For
aker's campaign is already in progress.
OF course, the only reasons that can exist
for such speeches are of a political nature.
however strong may be the Secretary S
Discrimination TO indulge in scramble for
Office.
In New York, the President is frankly
playing politics, and Mr.. Odell and others
of his kind are at the same game, albeit
with no marked degree Of artlessness or
I Ingenuousness. Gov. Hughes. in the mean
time, appears to be eXerting himself only
TO the end that his equilibrium may be
maintained his reform policies enacted
/ into laws, and his administration made
clean and efficient.
/ It may be that we have overlooked a
/ few of the evidences of political activity
which figured in yesterdays news. but
/ these doubtless are sufficient to indicate
/ the prevalent condition of turmoil. We
/ are convinced that We but reflect public
/ sentiment when we declare that the coun-
try is entitled to a rest and that, re-
CARELESS Of the undeniable Importance OF
a continuation of the Roosevelt policies,
( the contest for the Republican nomination
has been commenced far too early for the
good of the people.