New-York tribune., 1910-11-12
AND HUGHES
Former Took Up Latter's Work,
Says DR.. Abbott.
EXPLAINS PARTYS DEFEAT
Saws Election Indicates Trend in
Both Parties Toward Pro-
gressive Principles.

DR.. Lyman Abbott. editor Of The Out
look made public yesterday HIS interpre-
tation Of the recent election, as embodied
in an editorial which is 10 appear In the
next issue Of that publication. The edi-
torial is as follows:
Popular dissatisfaction with present con-
ditions, especially with the high prices;
indignation at the manifest control OF the
special interests of the tariff revision and,
stiil more, the defenceS and eulogies Of the
tariff bill; wrath at the corruption and
hypOCritical pretenceS disclosed in certain
influential Republican circles coupled with
the forgetfulness OF the fact that the ex-
posuTe and the prosecution were furnished
by Republicans; d growing conviction that
there was an alliance between the special
interests and the Republican oligarchy,
with the belief that the easiest way TO
hit at il was by voting with the opposition;
Indifference in an election which to many
voters appeared TO be contest rather
between persons than between principles
an impression which a too personal cam
paigning tended TO increase; a general in
Clination in America TO make change in
cination which the political conditions that
prevailed in solid states does much to jus
tify; some fears in certain quarters, not
less politically effective because wholly un-
defined lest the spectre Of Tadical1sm
should work havoc TO business interests
the fact that the Republican party was
divided between the insurgents and the
regulars. while the Democratic party,
freed from the traditions Of Cleveland and
the personality of BRYAN, was for the nrSI
time in years urited-all these causes COM
bined 10 bring about a political revolution.
But do not believe the election indicates
a reaction and revolution. The 1actS that
in every state except Indiana where there
definite popular insurgent movement
within the Republican party which sue
Ceeded that party succeeded in the cleo
ton; that in every state except Pennsyi-
vania where there was no such movement
within the party or where 1t failed the Re-
publican party failed in the election; that
with the single exception of the Senator
from Indiana no Senator who was retired
by failure to secure either a renomina ton
OF a reelection represents the Progressive
element in the party: that Of the governors
elected a decided majority represent the
Progressive rather than the reacuonary
element in their respective parties, fnciud-
ing such representatives of progressive
thought as Woodrow Wilson, on the ATTAIN
tic Coast. and Hiram Johnson. on the Pa
cifC: that the insurgents are insurgents no
longer, but are recognized as leaders In the
Republican party, all indicate that the
election which is a signal triumph of the
Democratic party is not defeat OF pro
gressive principles and does not indicate a
decadence Of the progressive spirit
Nor do | think that the tack-o lantern
hugaboo Of Mr.. Roosevelts imagined mon
archical ambitions cut any considera bic
figure In the election. The fact that the
greatest falling off in the Republican vote
was in the State of Pennsylvania, where
his voice was not once heard in the cam
paign. is significant If not conclusive upon
that point. The simple fact is that Dem
oCratic triumph was publicly predicted py
both Democrats and Republicans eight
months ago and was foreshadowed by the
enforced retirement of Messrs Aldrich ana
Hale from the Senate and the Maine cleo
ton in September; Mr.. Roosevelt was
called in TO save the situation; he respond
ed to the call, but could not turn the TIDE
He did something more important; ne
heartened the Progressives In his own
party. carried forward in his own state the
work of party publication so we'll begun by
Mr. Hughes and did something to inspire
with the spirit of genuine and national
democratic progress the party of his po-
liticaI opponents.