The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-08-12

IsopuUalcaus.
OF this forty-three there are eighteen Repub-
lican Representatives holding their seats in Con-
gress by majorities Ct less than one thousand
votes.
Twenty -nine of them were elected in year
everywhere stated to have afforded Republican
landslide by majerities of less than two thousand
votes.
1t viii thus he seen that at least forty-seven
Congressional Districts were debatable political
ground two years ago. This Fall Other districts
in which the fight may be hopefully waged Will
by the logic of events have been added to the
list. Far larger majorities than are here men
toned have, in fact, been overcome in each OF
the by elections, all o. which have been won by
Democrats who reversed heavy Republican
pluralities But of what will call the forty
seven debatable districts, the Democrats will
have to win less than OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
seats--in order to carry the next House.
Considering the widespread criticism of the
administration, the almost universal suspicion
of the tariff, the digust at the weakness of the
President in permitting himself to be led by ad-
visers of the Ballinger type the order for a
gain of TWENTY-FIVE seats seems at first glance IN
fair way to be promptly filled with sprink-
ling of dishes on the side We say at first glance,
on account of the very 'Insurgent" situation
which at first blush holds out hope, that on
reflection it tends to deny. For without the
'Insurgent" movement, the West would be clear
| ly Democratic On account of it, it may remain
Republican. True, it will be a Republicanism
vociferous of a reform which the "Standpat'
mai ority may be well counted upon to defeat.
| And il will not, whatever else it may be, be
Democracy 1t is the danger that Western Dem
ocrnts may trade their chance of victory for q
lukewarm political porridge that complexities ar
otherwise clear situation. Governor Folk, re-
turning from the West, states that the hope of the
Insurgents is based upon the Democrats who vii
Join their ranks. He says that many, in fact are
Joining the insurgent element. If he is correct
it is but confirmation Of the view which thought
full Democrats have all along held, that there
is more practical politics. and incidentally
more stage thunder,-in the revolt within Repub
lican ranks than there is any real conviction OF
clean purpose 1t becomes daily more manifes
that large part of the "Insurgent" campaign
is directed toward saving an otherwise hopeless
situation to the Republican party, rather thar
with any sincere desire to better existing condl
tions. The Democracy everywhere will fare bet
ter in the end, if it keeps its powder dry, con
fines the fight now waging to Republican ranks
and itself pursues tho direct and Underwriting
course which alone can lead to victory.
In the meanwhile, of the twenty-five vote
necessary, Virginia is charged with the duty o
furnishing one. The Ninth District must be re
deemed. The State must do its practical part
Slemp must go. Tightly drawn as the lines ar
at present, the contest in the Ninth becomes
point of State pride, of party patriotism. Ever.
district has there an intense interest. Ever.
Democratic speaker, newspaper, voter owes t
the party the duty of far possible projecting
his influence into the Ninth District In fact
it is the one thing that Virginia can do to add it
part to this Falls purpose of victory-a twenty
second part in a countrsE=1Eide party redemption