Daily Arizona silver belt. (Globe, Gila County, Ariz.) 1906-1929, 1908-08-01
WHY SOLID SOUTH OR SOLID
NORTH?

NOn1hs
A curious condition of things politi-
cal is found in the fact that the Sec
ton of the country least enthusiastic
for Bryan and least ardent in his sup
port is relied upon most confidently to
cast its vote for him in November. That
section is the south--in partisan par
lance, the solid south.
1t is of common knowledge, an ac-
copied fact, that the leaders Of tho
democratic party Of the south, however
eloquent they may become on the hust-
ings, really have little faith in this third
Bryan campaign, and are prepared al
ready to witness repetition of 1896,
If not of 1900. Theirs is case of
"hope deferred maketh the heart sick +"
Radical in spots on local issues, often
mercurial as to men and measures of its
own, full of sentimental regard for
Roosevelt and pride in his antecedent
history, the south, in national affairs, is
conservative rather than radical, and at
heart more republican than democratic.
1t has enjoyed its greatest prosperity
under republican administrations. II
has profited by the tariff policy of the
last decade and has not joined in the
clamor for freer trade. 1t is a believer
in expansion and is substantial bene
ficiary of it. 1t sees vast possibilities
for the further development of its ma
terial interests in the completion of the
Panama canal, a project started by
republican administration. And so it is
that the south, approving generally of
existing conditions, takes but a pei
functory interest in Mr.. Bryan's candi-
dacy. and is today held in line by the
great and truly American section there
is still no republican party or organiza
tion worthy Of the name
There is no valid reason why any
state, much less any section, should be
eternally bound by tradition or through
prejudice to a particular party and thus
estopped from voting its real convic
tions at the polls. What is here said
applies with equal force to such states
as Iowa and Pennsylvania at the north
as to Georgia and Texas at the south.
In this enlightened day, this err of
progress and independent thinking and
action, why should it be foregone con.
clusion that any state north or south
should be solidly republican or soiidly
democratic, regardless of issues?
Roosevelt's denomination would have
split the solid south. There is little
doubt about that. Taft possibly may
accomplish something in that direction.
At any rate, it is evident that both he
and his managers deem it worth striv
ing for. Should the effort succeed
clean and honest and high minded effort
only could succeed-the effect would be
all around.
A split-up of the south, clearly disin-
terested as to Bryan, and of the west,
to be ION fire. for him, what
ever the effect upon the presidential
contest, would make for the strengthen
ing and betterment of both the old par |
ties alike, and such a result would re-
aound to the country's good.
Why should not the republican party
make a hard drive for some of the
southern states while the democratic
party is setting out to capture the north |
and west7 What would promise Better
for the future than battle royal both |
south and north7 All lovers of the |
country, in spite of craftsmanship, would |
ike to see it.
Perhaps Taft's invasion of Virginia
may mean great things political Who
Knows?
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