The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-07-19
Champ Clark and the Democracy.

Cn2nlp Clafk ana the democracy.
Hon. Champ Clark. in an optimistic
Democratic interview recently. predicted
a nationwide overthrow Of the Republl-
can party. and incidentally remarked
that the gulf which separates Dolliver.
Cummins. Bristow, Ia Toilette. ct al and
men Of the Aldrich-Cannon type us as
wide as that which separated Dives and
Lazarus"
A misprint in a reprinted version Of
this interview made the BIissourian say
David and Lazarus" and gave excuse
inadequate, perhaps-for some light
comment in these columns touching the
seriptural knowledge ready for off-hand
use possessed by the present and pros
pective Speaker Of the House,
Mr. Clark knows his Bible too well to
misquote. Every reader may be sure Of
that And IN a test we do not mind
admitting that we should pin our faith
TO him with sublimest confidence. even
as against the ever-ready dispenser OF
Biblical lore from Illinois whom he Is
likely TO succeed. Moreover. We are Just
as free 10 admit. and regTetfully. that the
light comment aforementioned has been
robbed OF the least vestige OF humorous
point by being taken seriously
Mr.. Clark IS wont at times TO be face
tious himself lie is blessed with q sense
Of humor But Mr.. Clark is philosopher
and a virile. aggressive Democrat as
well. and nobody, intelligently following
his leadership OF the minority. has ever
failed to take him seriously at any stage
OF the proceeding.
The fact that the linelight turned It's
nercest glare upon the insurgents in the
struggle over the rules did not minimize
in the least the role successfully played by
their Democratic allies. Whether in the
event OF the expected upheavai It will be
found possible to do business in the House
under a system differing radically from
what is termed Cannonism may be q
mooted question; but we know OF no man
TO whom such an undertaking could be
intrusted with a greater degree OF safety
and promise than Champ Clark. II it can
be done, he can do it. and the Demo-
cratic party Is fortunate indeed at this
the dawn OF brighter days to find its
House leadership in such capable hands.
a close-range appraisement OF the alert
and able Missourian invariably enhances
individual and partisan respect for him.
OF the interview IN question. eiiminat-
ing the discussion of Republican discord
and internecine warfare and involving
the Biblical misprint. two features stand
out pre-eminently. viz:
Democrats everywhere are becoming
enthusiastic once more for old-time
Democratic principles. and those who are
IN favor OF keeping the party abreast of
the times viii be in control.
II the Democrats in the pending con-
test for control Of the House should
present a definite, progressive pro-
gramme, what would be its chief fea-
tures2
Reduce the tariff to a revenue basis;
cut down appropriations to the wants OF
the government economically and effec-
lively administered; restore our merchant
marine. not by ship subsidy, but By a re-
turn 10 the wise measures by which
Democrats made it the glory Of the high
Seas for half a century; investigate the
waste. extravaganza, and corruption of
the departments in every branch of the
government service; force a thorough
and honest criminal prosecution of the
trusts which have done so much to in
crease the cost Of living; they should be
taught that criminal statutes are in
tended for the punishment Of big crini-
mails as well as for small ones-big ones
preferred. Force the discharge Of every
superf1uOus tax-eater now upon Uncle
Sans payrons.
Herein Mr.. Clark gives a reassuring
word Triumph over a disrupted Repub-
lican party VIII be meaningless and short
lived unless the Democracy stands. and
stands steadfastly, for old-time principles
as he briefly outlines them. It must be.
must become, something more than a
mere opposition party. If It would regain
and hold the confidence Of the country.
It's record on the tariff in last years
legislative struggle was ereditabIe IN the
House. thanks TO Mr.. Clark and his col
leagues. but quite the reverse in the
Senate, where the minority proved a
potent obstacle to revision downward.