New-York tribune., 1909-11-11
DORMANT.

Perhaps the most singular feature OF
last weeks elections was the complete
failure OF the voters in the states which
chose legislatures TO interest themselves
I'm the fate OF the constitutional amend
ment enlarging the power OF the federal
government 10 levy direct taxes. It
would he extrayagant 10 say that the
amendment attracted serious attention
anywhere. or that any state voting on
November 2 indicated even the feeblest
desire 10 see IL ratified These seven
states chose legislatures which can pass
next winter, If they see fit, on the pro-
posed extension of the governments d.
rect taxing Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, New York. New Jersey, Mary
land, Virginia and Kentucky. But in
none Of them was any definite indorse-
ment Of ID obtained al the polls.
In this state there was a great deal or
interest shown outside New York City
i'm direct nominations and the populariza-
tion Of the methods OF party govern
ment There were some notable upsets
in politics due 10 popular disapproval OF
the opposition 10 Governor Hughes's re-
form programme In this city the fight
20 overthrow Tammany was all-absorb-
ing. Probably not one candidate for the
Assembly out Of ten took occasion 10
say whether or not he favored ratifca-
ton of the income tax amendment The
voters generally expressed no curiosity
on that score. In Massachusetts the
Democratic state platform pledged the
party 10 ratification. The Republican
state platform held that the question
should not he dealt with along partisan
lines. The Republican Legislature elect
&c is therefore free 10 consider the prob
lem open mindedly. In Rhode Island the
Republicans were equally non-cOmmit-
tai and the new Legislature will SINH
larry have a free hand. New Jersey. Ike
New York. held no state conventions, SO
HAT neither party could declare its
views. But though there has been much
talk across the North River about direct
nominations and one of New Jerseys
ex-governOrs has thought the time Op-
perfume for urging so radical departure
as a return 10 old-fashioned spoils poll
ties, nobody has shown any burning de-
sire 10 ildkt Ant
an issue between parties, leaders or
factions.
The Democratic party in Maryland
ignored the amendment, while the Re
publicans declared in favor of ratifica-
ton. Now that a legislature has been
chosen with a three-fifths Democratic
majority there is much talk of the re-
demption of various Democratic pledges.
hut naturally none of the redemption of
s pledge which the party purposely
failed 10 make. In Virginia and Ken
lucky the Democratic organizations con-
trolling the new legislatures are also
under no obligations OF their own to
favor ratification They have nothing
more binding 10 consider than the prom
ise Of the last Democratic national plat
form. But new Democratic prophets
have arisen, like the Hon. Joseph w.
Bailey. who proclaim that national plat
form pledges which are specific" i'm
their nature can bind no one. The in
come tax amendment pledge given ar
Denver was certainly specific" enough.
Interest may he eventually aroused in
the proposal submitted 10 the state leg
islatures 10y Congress, but at present its
hold on the attention of the country is
surprisingly slight.