Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1909-03-23

The Democratic Party Is Not Dead.
At the beginning of 1909 the Demo
Gratis have twenty-five of the Governors
of the forty-six States, and the Repub-
larger proportion of Democratic Gov
ernors than the country has seen since
Cleveland's days in the Presidency. In
the beginning Of 1894, in the first year
of Cleyeland's second term, when there
were forty-four States. the Republicans
had sixteen Governors, the Democrats
had twenty-five, and the Populists had
three. At the beginning of 1896. after
Utah had increased the number of
States to forty-five. the Republicans had
twentysix governors, the Democrats
had seventeen, and the Populists had
two.
For the past thirteen years the Re
publicans have been in the ascendenty
in the number of State executives tdt
their preponderance now is smaller
than 1t was at any time In all this
period. In 1908 the Republicans chose
Governors in Missouri and one or two
other States hitherto controlled by the
Democrats. but the Democrats cap
tured Ohio. Indiana, Colorado, Nebras-
ka, and a few other States. and thus
have brought the number of their Gov
errors up close to the Republican mark.
A net gain of one more Governor, If 1t
xoI- hrfp 10
parties to a tie. Some Of the Demo
cratic Governors of Republican States
Harmon of Ohio. Marshall of In
diana, Johnson of Minnesota and Cham
berlain OF Oregon-are mentioned as
esidential-nomination possibilities for
1912.
The fact that the Democrats in 1908
carried several States for Governor
which they lost for President is cal
culated to encourage them to make a
strong canvass in 1912 under new
leader. Already gossip is beginning to
couple the name of Harmon, Of John
son, and of Marshall with the preslden-
tial candidacy. Johnson Is we'll known
to the country, and his name was be-
fore the convention OF 1908. but Bryan
stock was then in the ascendent. A
new name may head the Democratic
ticket which will be selected by the con-
vention which meets three and third
years hence. Republican leaders in the
White House and Congress should
grasp the fact that an active and virile
party, with a popular man at its head,
may confront them in the next presi-
Dental campaign. Good government,
and also peace within the party, are es-
sential to the Republicans if they are
to continue to control the country. The
Democratic party is in better shape at
this moment than 1t was at any time
since Cleveland's election in 1892,
though some Republicans may be I'M
aware of this fact.-Leslie's Weekly.
President Taft's Policies.
The inaugural address of cur new
chief magistrate points to a policy of
immediate tariff reduction, the carry
ing out of which will abundantly graf
ify the majority of the American peo-
pie.
An inheritance tax to Offset the loss
of revenue is eminently proper and
praiseworthy. The Journal has advo-
Gated such a tax to remove portion
of the burden from the poor and
place 1t on the shoulders of those
who, without any earning effort, in
herit wealth amassed by others.
Regulation of combinations of cap
ital, with stability and definite linn
itations of scope for proper business
endeavors, is much to be desired.
President Taft may rest assured of
our hearty support to this end.
The nations children and fair play
for labor are to receive due consider
| alton. A comprehensive plan for de-
velopment of inland waterways is to
be formulated These things are nee
essary.
But there are some other features of
Mr. Taft's plans which, in the light
| of the necessarily brief outline con-
tanned in his address, at first sight
seem less In the public interest.
Federal power to curb States is
something that must be given in small
degree and with greatest care. The
wisdom of the statesmen who formu-
| lated our constitution is not to be set
| aside without due reason. Federal
powers must not be authorized to en-
act with foreign governments treaties
that infringe upon State rights.
Postal savings banks are not need
ed. Nor do we require a vast stand
ing army, or unwieldly navy. Mill
tary preparations sufficient for safety
are the sum of the requirements.
The Panama canal must be built.
Mr.. Taft is pledged to the lock type,
but we are pleased to see that he
| does not impugn the good faith Of
| those who prefer the sea level plan.
Differences may occasionally be dis
cussed without danger of penalties for
lese majestic.
| Taken with and by the initial mes
sage of President Taft to the people
| Of the United States is a calm, de
liberate statement, in marked contrast
to presidential outbursts during the
past seven years. We hope he will set
himself above personal and party ex-
igency, and administer his great trust
absolutely in the interest Of the ma
ton which gives it into his hands
Chicago Journal.
Not my" Cabinet.
The notable thing about the Cabinet
appointments which President Taft has
sent TO the Senate is that Of the nine
= ~