West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1907-08-29
WHAT IS A REPUBLICAN,
Many Ideas Seem 20 Be Represented
in the G. o. p.

Some OF our Republican contem
poraries are trying TO answer tho
question: What is a Republican -
but they hardly seem TO grasp the slt.
uation and we will do our host to
tighten their darkness. Many modern
Republican politicians are first OF all
opportunists. ready TO seize upon an,
issue that offers to catch the popular
breeze. For instance, Senator Knox
declares for a strict construction OF
the constitution, while Mr.. Roosevelt
Is for stretching the constitution to
the breaking point. Both OF these
gentlemen are after votes and expect
TO combine their two schools OF
thought on election day. Republicans
all believe in tariff protection for the
trusts, but In some states where the
tarin reform sentiment Is raising
hades, they propose revision and reel.
proof y. in other states they stand pat
and ity fat out Of the trusts, and on
election day both factions stand ready
to vote together and sp<Sd the pro
ceeds of the fat frying.
All Republicans are for tho old flag
and an appropriation-ifi It comes their
way. II the appropriation is nct for
them TO spend, they are for economy
In expenditures and kick like steers
until they are let into the log rolling
bee with fair division OF the spoils
Otherwise life is dreary waste and
the old flag may be in ribbons instead
of stripes, and the star which symbol.
ICES their state is TO them a mockery.
1t all depends upon whose OK is gored
and who is the dispenser OF patronage
and how many OF their camp followers
can get place at the political pie
counter, before the ordinary Repub-
lican politician can decide whether a
proposed measure Is for the best in.
terests of the people.
Republican congressman were all
friends OF the railroads until the free
passes were cut off, and they still
banker after the flesh pots OF the cor.
porations. To make up for the loss OF
free transportation they increased
their salaries so per cent. and still
draw 40 cents a mile for mileage, and
voted the president $25, 900 a year to
hire special trains for himself, his
family and friends. Thus the rail.
roads gain and the taxpayers are the
poorer.
AS the American merchant marine
has been ruined by the Republican
plan of tariff protection for the trusts
the Republican politicians, from Pres.
ident Roosevelt to the negro spittoon
cleaner at the capitol, favor ship.
subsidy. Most OF them don't under.
stand the real issue involved, but as
the ship trust lobbyists showed a lib.
eral disposition to assist in their en-.
lightenment and were free speuders,
the patriots who run the country
found there must be something good
In 1t. Their love for the old flag and
an appropriation made them as easy
prey for the subsidy lobbyists, who
were certain the stars and stripes
would be seen on every sea IL the bill
passed. Hurrahl for Old Glory, was
their cry.
But what is the good of charging
upon the fads and fol'ies of the G.. o
p. or telling of the prosperity of the
trusts and the army of tramps that
their policies have encouraged and
protected? There are few old fogy-
ish Republicans who believe what Lin
coin taught. but they have no part or
lot In the strenuousness of modern
Republicanism.