Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-02-06
DEMOCRATIC STOCK RISES.
Republican Factionalism Works
to '0pposition's Advantage.
Democrats Getting Together while re-
publicnns Air Family Troubles-
congressman Report Many I'm
cmploycd-Erect of Politics

The latest developments in connection
with presidential politics are discussed
by the Washington correspondent Of the
Springfield Republican as follows:
The actual political developments of
the past week have all taken place with
In the ranks of the Republican party.
But In spite OF them--and in "A degree
because OF m-democratic stock has
been rising. Tho renewed threat of a
split over the Taft campaign in Massa-
chusetts, the continued dissension in the
party In New York, the apparent as
surance that Foraker will have at least
a few Of tho Ohio delegates, the sensa-
tonal message from President Roose-
welt and the speech by Gov. Hughes de-
claring his position-these things have
senablcd the republicans to hold the CEN
ter OF the stage
| Meantime comparatively little attention
has been given to the democrats save
! to periodically ask the futile question
whether Bryan will withdraw. But while
the republicans have been exposing their
! amily troubles, the democrats in
/ ineasura at least, have been getting to-
gcther There arc still plenty OF them.
| especially among the senators, who in
private will invcgh against the folly of
claiming the party to its dead past and
going once more to defeat with Bryan
at the head OF the ticket. But while such
mon may think that tho best chance
ever presented to the party is likely to
he thrown away by not nominating Gov.
johnson, nevertheless they a"e on the
whole becoming resigned. The interview
which Senator Rayner of Maryland, an
ultra conservative de-. ocrat recently
gave to n Baltimore paper is case in
point one cause Of this resignation.
not to use a more positive term, is that
even among the conservatives the feeling
has been growing that there may be a
chance Of party success in spite Of the
handicap which they think Bryans nom
inntion will place upon them.
DEMOCRATIC HOPE
No political act has filled the dem
ocrats with more hope than the decision
OF the supreme court that the law pro-
tccting railroad employees from discrim-
nation because of affiliations with
unions was unconstitutional The
shrcwdness, from politica, standpoint
OF President Rooscvclts subsequent mes
sage relating to labor legislation is real
lied. But the democrats arc confident
that Mr.. Roosevelt will not be able to
bcqucath to Mr. Taft the good will OF
the labor element, particularly in view
Of Mr.. Taft's labor decisions while a
federal judge.
In addition the Presidents message is
looked upon as likely to help the demo-
Gratis for two reasons. First, because Of
its tendency to estrangc the conserva-
tive element of the republicans: and Sec
ond. and more important. because of the
likelihood that 1t will add to the present
industrial depression. These views are
subscribed to by many. If not by nearly
all, the republicans. There are some
who think that the effects Of depression
and the army Of the unemployed will
he felt sufficiently before the Chicago
convention to work against the admins
tration and prevent the nomination of
Secretary Taft. There are others who
think that the effect OF depression W
not be sufficient to defeat Taft at Chi
cago, but that it will be felt in full be-
fore November and make the party $
success at the polls matter Of grave
doubt These two views are typical; one
looks for an earlier political result from
business conditions than docs the other,
but they agree that the effect will ar
rive on or before election day.
A POSSIBLE RESULT.
congressman from all parts Of the
country tell Of the hundreds and thou
sands of men who are now unemployed
in the- individual congressional districts.
! The question heard on every side is
whether President Roosevelt has any
conception Of this state of affairs when
he penned his sensational message
which, in spite of its vehemencc Is moi
expected to greatly effect legsla ton
The result of adding to the army of the
unemployed may be one thing or an.
! other on the Republican party, but i,
is looked upon as certain to have one
effect and only one effect upon the dem.
ocracy. There are some who feel tina,
further business depression will prevent
the nomination OF Taft; there are Others
who picture the Chicago convention sur.
rounded by Chicago's army Of ignoran,
unemployed, swollen from its prcsen,
figure OF so 900 and who see the conven-
ton actually forced to vote for Roose-
= welt. This may not be logical yet it is
, a view soherly expressed. Yet whethe,
or the other in regard to the Chicago
convention, the chief thing he sees in
2 an intensified business depression is q
, greater chance of the election Of Mr.
Bryan.
CONTROL OF THE HOUSE.
t In the ceaseless talk over the presi-
, dency another matter at issue has beer
E almost lost sight of. This is the contro
OF the next House. The democrats de-
clare. and there is no question of the
sincerity of their belief, that whether
they win or lose the presidency, they
are sure to win the House at least Ever
some republicans share this opinion. and
, 1t has been gaining wide currency within
the last few days. To see Speaker Can
. non deposcd from his throne and TO see
Serene Payne and John Dalzcll made
, privatcs in the ranks instead of major,
generals, would he n strange sight. Few
independent observers would contend
that the country would not be the gain
er.