The Washington herald., 1908-09-05

Senator Daniel. OF Virginia. Is quoted
il the Philadelphia Press as saying that
he is one Of those men who believe that.
no matter which candidate is elected, the
United States viii continue in its growth
and influence among all nations" The
Virginia Senator IS going 10 take the
stump for Bryan, yet he is broad-minaed
enough to recognize that the Republican
nominee has ample qualifications for the
Presidency. and that the country will be
safe under either Taft OF Bryan.
That is a sensible view to take OF the
political situation Possibly the preva-
lenoe Of 1t accounts in some measure for
the apathetic character OF the campaign
thus far Il 50. the country is TO be con-
graduated We have had enough Of dire
predictions concerning our national fate
IN the event Of the election OF the other
fellow. The country has been going TO
the dogs ever since Washington's first
administration. yet II has been true all
along tEat We have continued to grow
and flourish 10 matter which candidate
was elected Few national elections have
really changed the course Of events. and
il is easy 10 see that this one is not 70
be epochaL Partisaus who attempt TO
demonstrate that with Taft at the helm
the country would accelerate its ca
reeriag course toward an empire. or that
IN the event Of Bryan's election the
wheels Of industry would stop and the
business Of supplying material wants
cease. viii have a harder time than
usual We think. in making their argu-
ments convincing. Nor are they likely 70
be more successful in compelling voters
70 believe that Bryan would be reckless
and unsafe. OF that Taft would sell out
10 the trusts. The sober judgment Of the
people VIII tel them that the elevation
70 the Presidency Of an honest and sin
( cere man. no matter what his political
/ persuasion. does not necessarily speu
disaster. public or private
I That is not TO say that II IS OF no con
/ sequence what q candidate believes IN OF
what doctrines his party processes In
( this campaign. however. the differences
I between the opposing parties. though real
! and significant. are not sufficiently broad
and vital TO arouse strong enimosities
I or 10 stir deeply the hearts and con
sciences Of men They Go not 90 10 the
roots OF our national existence Thus a
statesman Ike Senator Daniel may be
found supporting 5Ir- Bryan. OF whose
I political creed he does not altogether ap-
prove, yet feeling certain that no harm
+ VIII come 10 the country by 8Ir. Bryan's
7 election. while he Is equally sure that 10
calamity viii befaH should Nr. Taft sue
ceed 10 the Presidency Besides the
want Of a sharply definite dividing line
! between parties, It should be remembered
I that the Presidency IS not. in spite OF al
/ this talk about Executive usurpati0n, an
/ lall-powerfuI Office.
/ A capital error OF those who are fearful
! OF the success Of the opposing candidate
! is the -acit assumption that the President
IS a sort Of dictator. so that he may dc
! about what he chooses. He IS. OF course
I nothing OF the sort HIS powers are ire
mendous. but they are hedged about with
effective checks. 4 bad President might
I be able tc do a great deal Of mischief
I but he could Tot ruin the country He
/ might blu1der. but he could not infic;
/ irreparable damage on the body polite
/ But we have never had a wicked Presi-
/ dent, and We are not in any likelihood OF
Z acquiring one this fall The ordinary
citizen may with confidence feel ths;
there IS no ground whatever for appre-
/ Ihension as 20 the outcome OF the Presi-
Dental election Whoever wins the na-
ton viii continue on its triumphant way