New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-10-17
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE MEN THE ISSUE.
Democrat Tells Why He VIII Vote
for Taft.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: The political campaign OF 1873 is remarkable
in respect. at least Heretofore, in Presidential
contests, while there may have been Republicans
who have voted the Democratic ticket and vice
versa, they content to cast their votes with
out assigning reason therefor. In the present
campaign the fact is noticeable that both press
editorials and individual communications are pro-
life IN argument for enrolling under the banner OF
the other party. Following the example thus pre-
scented, I beg to here set down OF the argu-
ments which have persuaded to vote for
Mr.. Taft albeit since the day when 1 cast my hrst
ballot. IN 1854. for Little Mac, have been loyal
supporter OF every candidate OF the Democratic
party.
In the first place. 1 may say that in the coming
contest would appear that IT is 10 be not so much
question Of measures policies as OF men l
read the platforms of the two leading parties, and
am unable TO distinguish between them. so FAR as
great essential principle is concerned There Is
difference in modes of expression but that is all
The platform Of the Republican party declares
unequivocally for a revision Of the tariff by spe-
cial session Of Congress" 1t says that the true
principle OF Protection is best maintained by the
imposition Of such duties will equal the differ
ence between the cost Of production at home and
abroad, together with a reasonable profit to Ameri-
can industries" This is coming pretty near TO
coed old Democratic doctrine. and il faithfully car
ried out will far to destroy another great evil
as TO which both parties are outspoken-rhe tariff
bred trust
Inc labor question looms UP as one or the living
questions OF the hour. But upon this there is again
little TO distinguish the platform of the one from
that Of the other Both recognize the just de-
mands of the and women who are comprised
in the ranks Of labor and. indeed. the present ed-
ministration has gone far IN this direction in the
enactment of the employers liability law, the
safety appliance statutes reduction of the hours OF
certain classes of workers, the exercise Of media
ton between interstate railways and their employees
and the promise Of further legislation The Bryan
platform, while artfully worded to signify more,
has practically nothing 10 offer this sub
jet Upon question has there been sharper
conflict than upon that of 'injunctions." The
memory Of man runneth not to the contrary when
courts Of equity have not been conceded the right
10 issue orders staying enjOinng proceedings ex
parte without notice when necessary 70 restrain
the perpetratIon of a wrong not otherwise remedia
bic. But. even SO the Republican platform. out OF
regard for the proper demands OF labor. insists
that the practice in such in the federal courts
should be more Clearly defined And that notice
should be required, where irreparahle injury
may ensue. What more could any Democrat ask
than this?
So much for the platforms OF the respective par
ties AS for my party. it has seemed to have
completely lost its bearings Ever since the days
of Cleveland IL has been wandering after strange
gods. AS that distingu ished statesman and Demo-
crat, IN his last known political communication, is
said to have observed have had for years but
the decayed fragments Of an organizati ton that
failed to serve its purpose
md myself, therefore, AafIeT careful study or
these platforms unable to distinguish any material
difference there IS not word about bimetaism
greenbaCk currency. a word about gov
eminent ownership the referendum. The Dem
ocratic party no longer advocates these doctrines.
On the other hand, lifelong member of that
party, I am unable TO note anything in the Chi
cago deIverance which challenges any great prn-
ciple for which my party has ever fought before
II fell upon its evil days. It becomes then, simply
and only question OF the character and ante
Ca1e Of fFa u ,-Iav
Of the matter I have not the slightest hesitation
in casting my lot with the Republican candidate.
cannot follow M Bryan for many reasons
And now comes Mr. Bryan with a brand
set OF principles. I ask myself the question. How
I be expected to follow the leadership of this
will-o' -the-wisp in politics. a man who changes
his views as he would his raiment, the occa-
sion demands? What sort OF pilot is this to
steer the ship OF state7 What would be thought
of the commander of passenger steamer whose
ideas OF navigation were one thing to-day. another
tomorrow and something quite different the next
day?
Nor can I believe, admirer as I an Of his royal
intellectual gifts that he is quite honest in these
changes of front. but rather that they are the
calculations OF expediency and insatia Die hun
ger for this high office.
On the other hand. when l Cc-ne to consider the
character and achievements Of Mr. Taft there
comes over my soul sense Of restfulness and
deep satisfaction Here is a man whose dstin-
gushing characteristics have been consistency.
J.
TO these wide experience in almost every depart
ment Of government, in which service it may be
said OF him, Well done. good and faithful ser
want One incident in his career as a faithful
servant would alone suffice TO place him high on
the roll OF honor and of duty fulfilled. II was
when he willingly. If reluctantly, turned his back
on high judicial position and left his native shores
at the request Of those who required his service
for a doubtful career in a distant and hostile
country I confess that it requires big stretch
of the imagination 10 fancy ". J. Bryan doing the
same To me this exhibition of greatness
in its truest sense.
have not undertaken 10 refer TO the great work
he has accomplished. The record is open
Many other suggestions occur to me- but these
have mentioned suffice to determine me- not TO
abandon Democracy, but TO vote for candidate
for the Presidency whose election viii go far to
insure the prosperity, pe4ae and happiness OF this
great people EDWARD J. MAXWELL.
New York, Oct. a. 1903.