The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1909-09-12
GETTING STRONGER EVERY
HOUR.


months when one could hear such ex-
pressions as this, from men who sin
cerely desired the defeat of the Amerl-
can party in salt Lake; of course. if
the Republican party would combine
with all the other forces of opposition,
the Kearns crowd could be beaten. But
no one party standing alone has any
hope"
Since the Republican committeeman
made their simple. plain declaration to
put ticket in the field, that sentiment
has vanished utterly. Every day it
becomes clearer to all people that the
men entrusted with the organization,
the members of the city committee, had
carefully and thoroughly canvassed the
matter; had felt the pulse Of the people
generally; had consulted with citizens
in every part of town, and had accurate
ly expressed the popular judgment that
the Republican party can win.
The opposition pretended they did not
expect the Republicans to make any
straight nominations. Leaders Of each
American party faction expressed sur
prise when they read that it was the de-
cision of the party organization, backed
by the general desire, to put fun Re
publican city ticket in the field. If they
are sincere in their surprise it would be
interesting to know on what they based
their expectations.
Unquestionably the Republicans won
the city last fall. No man at all ac-
quainted with local political affairs will
say for moment the Republicans are
not fully as united now as they were
then. No one advised will say they are
weaker for having won the county cleo
ton.
And in the face OF the open quarrels
between Lippman's friends and the
friends of Tom Kearns, there can be no
question the American party is less ike
ly to poll this year the vote it recorded
last year. They were united then. They
had one set Of ofices-the city-nailed
down at least for a year. From that
source they could draw money. From
those offices they could draft men. They
were full of enthusiasm, and every man
now warning in various factions was
fighting Loyalty and well, side by side.
A curious but convincing illustration
of that party's present disturbed condi-
ton is found in the Kearns organs at
tack on the police and fire departments
"a bitter stab at the men understood
TO have allied themselves with the Lipp-
man forces.
There were $1,000 votes in the city in
1906. In 1907 there were $4,000, and $4,000
in 1908. Probably the full actual
strength of the Democratic party was
polIed in 1907; and it reached 5,972. It's
natural increase in the following year
brought it to more than 6,O0O-stiu the
legitimate and full Democratic strength.
The American party cast fewer votes in
1908 than in 1907. It lost. The Demo-
Gratis gained. But the big gain was
made by the RepUblicans-and absolute
" at the expense of the Americans
Thousands Of American party voters
"came home" Yet there was no quarrel
in their party last year, such as there is
now. But many members of that or
ganization, very largely made up of Re
publicans, saw less and less warrant for
the campaign their leaders were max
ing; saw less and less reason to remain
longer in exile from the party of their
national choice. And they cast their
votes by the thousand for the Republi-
can candidates.
They have had no occasion to regret
the action. If Taft had been defeated,
the American party would be stronger
today than it was either one or two
years ago. But, in spite Of the Amepican
party attack on Taft's candidacy, the
Republicans won in the nation, as in the
state and the courtyard the city, too.
And a good national administration, a
safe and sound state administration, an
honest and busiuesslike county admins
istratiOn. complete the argument for
their remaining where they belong
with the Republican party. It makes,
at the same time, the best possible rea-
son for other members Of the American
party leaving that ill-tempered local es-
tablishment, and making themselves
useful and recognized members of the
party which has national existence
and larger possibilities than they could
hope in the dwindling and narrow
group inspired by hate and directed by
revenge.
Every hour the fact becomes more
and more clear that the Republicans
will win in the coming city election. No
other party can beat the Kearns CLIQUE.
and the Republican can. And sensible !
men ysn prefer to place the con9uet of
city affairs in the hands of the party
which has proven capable and worthy.
1t is now too late for the warning fac
tons Of the American party 10 patch
up their differences. And even if they
were solidly united. they could be driven
from the field
TIE EEKE nE nEAOE