The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1910-01-31
THE BURSTING STORM.

THE BURSTING STORM.
It is a matter of speculation among
large class Of people-as to what ex-
tent the so-called Republican insur-
gency is a movement on the surface
or reaches below. If it is merely SUI
perficial, nothing will come of 1t: but
II II has within II vital elements, II
will breed such trouble as the Re-
publican party has not seen for q
quarter of a century. To what extent
are the constituents of LaFollette
Doiliver, Cummlns and Bristow be-
hind them? II the men represent q
real, true. strong movement in the
Republican party, then Taft, Cannon
and Aldrich will find it much more
difficult to compromise on a patron
age basis. The revolt of q clique OF
politicians is never very difficult to
suppress. 1t generally begins with q
question of spoils ana ends with few
liberal doses OF patronage.
On the other hand; only a small
number Of the voters can hold office or
can ever hope to hold Office Their
grievances are real and can only be
removed by q change of law or ad-
ministration policies over large
class of population of the Mississip-
pi valley states hangs like a cloud the
gloom of high prices. 1t is too often
forgotten that because the farmer re-
ceives higher prices for many of his
products he has also to pay increas-
ed prices for much that he needs.
Much depends in this struggle upon
the extent TO which the masses in
the middle west have grasped the in
EQUITIES and bare-faced robbery of the
protective system of the eastern states
1t is impossible to protect the farmer
in his own vocation and fortunately
very many of them have at last learn
at last ed it, mfwy obtsm cmfw cmfm
class of the agricultural journals
have been preaching this doctrine for
years and II has at length begun to
bear fruit. This brings us back to
the original question. Are the insug-
gents in congress the spokesman Of
thousands of voters within the Repub-
lican party, or are they simply four
flushers Of general game?
If prominence and notoriety are all
that the insurgents seek, then there
is nothing In the movement that de-
serves respectful consideration. But If
behind them there are many thous-
ands Of sturdy, dissatisfied voters
then the Republican party is facing
the greatest crisis in It's long career.
1t is not in the main a question be-
tween Taft and Ballinger and Roose-
welt and Pinchot, but rather a ques-
ton opposing economic forces
Nowadays the essential propositions
are economic. What are called great
moral questions, important though
they may be, do not stir the masses
TO the depth. All who remember the
free silver election Of 1896 know to
what extent the masses can be stirred
when the matter at issue appears to
involve their subsistence. The desr-
comfort is primary article in the
the American creed Of life. rhe coun-
try is once more becoming thorough
ly aroused upon q great question OF
political economy, and 1t will have to
be fought out once for all whether
the relations between the increased
cost of living and the high tariff Is
one of cause and effect.
Almost the entire importance OF
Republican insurgency depends upon
whether 1t Is symptom of a mighty
movement Of the voters or a small
flecking of the foam on the face OF
the waters. To that which is great
and strong We all pay involuntary
respect; at that which is petit and
personal. we smile with indulgeni
contempt. II Dolliver and his asso'
ciates are moved by any deep respect
Tor human wants and woes, they shall
yet receive honor. but IL they are the
plnythings OF fractional politics they
shall soon pass away and be forgot.