The Washington herald., 1910-11-05

ithaca No president Schurman, OF
Cornell University. discussed Col Roose-
velts latest scheme Of government in a
speech tonight at a mass meeting Of the
Cornell Civic Club. a nonpartisan organi-
cation of students which discusses poIitl-
cal problems. The meeting was given
over 10 a discussion by prominent pro-
fessors on the issues Of the campaign and
Dr. Schurman, who was a delegate 10
the Republican convention At Saratoga
and a representative Of the Old Guard.
was asked 10 speak on the New Nation
alism. He said in part:
T regard Mr.. Roosevelts New Ma
tionalism as the most revolutionary and
dangerous programme any political leader
has laid before the American people since
the close OF the civil war. To cali il an
application Of the ancient moralitles to
modern conditions is a downright tray
esty OF the decalogue. In reality the New
Nationalism Of Theodore Roosevelt is the
world-old despotism OF one-man power
decked out in the rainbow promises of
a benevolent socialism.
This republic. wisely instructed by the
political history Of mankind. narrowly lin
tied the powers OF the Federal govern
ment Mr.. Roosevelt would indefinitely
enlarge those powers 10 the detriment
alike OF home rule and State sovereignty.
And in his highly centralized national
government the congress and the courts
are 10 be subordinated 10 the President
Executive as Steward.
This New Nationalism," he declared.
regards the executive power as the
steward OF the public welfare.
This Caesarian President Is 70 bring
about a more equal distribution Of prop
erty. 1t is not explained how the poor
man is 20 get higher wages than a sol
vent business can afford 10 pay. Yet Mr.
Roosevelt constantly suggests that IL
only we had a highly centralized govern
ment and a Caesarian President the
masses Of the people would be much bet
ter O. Ills mind is dominated by the
fallacy hat it is the duty OF the govern
ment 20 support the individual, whereas.
Of course, il is the individual who sun
ports lie government.
But II II fails in constructive results.
the New Nationalsm does its perfect
work in destructive, meddlesome, and
useless interference with business. That
stern old moralist, DR.. Samuel Johnson.
used to say There are few things in
which man can be more innocently en-
ployed than In making money Not so
the apostle of the New Nationalism. He
would allow no man 10 make money,
however honestly, unless il could be
proved (of course. to well-salaried gov
eminent Inspectors that this mans pros
perity was a benefit 10 other people.
More Officials Necessary.
And a still larger corps of government
officials would be necessary for another
scheme of New Nationalism. Mr.. Roose-
welt proposes to subject the big business
concerns which deal on an important
scale in the necessaries Of life to the
same kind and degree Of control and
supervision as the public service corpora
tons
who can imagine the stupendous bust
ness crash which this plank of the New
Nationalism would bring about? But
Mr.. Roosevelt says jauntily. We must
be ready 10 face any temporary disaster
II only through such disaster can we
attain our goal
The New Nationalism spells Caesar
Ism in government and bankruptcy in
business, and all that without adding
cent to the income of the wage-earner
OF any other citizen except the politician
and his army OF new government Off
Gals"