Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-03-20
Republican Alarm Justified.

Senator Cullom, of Illinois, I'm a let
ter this week To the Illinois Republi
cen Editorial Association. frankly
lSvowed his belief that unless the
| "factional differences" which have
IdisCrganized the Republican party are
adjusted defeat will be its portion. To
MIR cunOm's prophecy of disaster was
added an earnest appeal from Presi-
dent Taft for harmony, and support
| by the Republican editors OF Illinois
| Of the action OF the Republican con-
gress and the Republican administra-
ton In reference TO the tariff bill and
other progressive legislation"
The Taft administration is little
more than a year old. yet the Presi-
dent and the rest of the Republican
| leaders are filled with dire fOrebOd-
| ings as to the future of their party.
They know that the widespread dis
satisfaction which prevails among the
Republican masses is not due solely
TO fractional differences" but that IL
Is inspired in large measure by disap-
provai OF tariff legislation, by resent
ment at the failure of the Sixty-first
congress 10 relieve the people from
the burdens of oppressive taxation;
that il Is a revolt against the con
tinued domination of the Republican
party by Cannon and Aldrich and
other representatives Of special priv
leges. The attitude OF the public to-
ward the Taft administration is out
'ined accurately and strikingly by
Rev. Newell Dwight Hills. of Brook
iyn, in an interview at Detroit.
When" says DR.. Mills. Providence
has dealt so beneficently with the
people In the matter of haryests.
when our factories and mills are
turning out more comforts and lux
uries than ever before for our peO-
pie America, which should be the
most contented of nations is the most
Idiscontened." The people believe. in
Or. Hills judgment, that IL is the
ariff which has caused the high
prices for everything that enters into
the maintenance of life. They are
going TO smash the tariff he de-
clares. make no mistake about that.
The Taft administration would be
fortunate ii il were menaced by no
graver danger than fractional differ
ences" in the Republican party. These
differences might be compromised by
,hrewd political diplomacy and by
lrtful distribution Of the Federal pat
-onage. But It will be far more diff
lcult 10 allay the resentment of the
plain people. who feel that they have
been made the victims of injustice
and oppression This is the condition
which the Republican party now
faces. However good Mr.. Taft's in
,enticns may have been when he as
sumed office. however good they may
- bA snrifV of tho
voters" as DIR. Hills puts it, believe
| that the President is powerless TO re-
lieve them of their burdens. with
Aldrich and Cannon controlling leg
islation and debating the policies of
| the Republican party. The "inSur-
gent West" cannot be placated. Or
the same day on which Mr.. Taft sent
| his appeal for harmony to the II
linois Republican Editorial AS
ISOLATION Senator Cummins made a
bitter attack in the senate on the ad-
ministration policies and declared war
openly upon the President.
President Taft has abundant rea-
sons to view the situation with alarm.
II is growing more serious every
Jay. The Democratic victories in
town elections in New York on Tues
day will add to his disquietude. There
we're no national issues involved, TO
be sure. but the defeat of the Re
publicans was due in no small meas
ure TO the discomfort which prevails
every where over the conditions for
which the national Republican party
| il responsible. The President and
,ther Republican leaders may cry
peace and harmony. but unless ali
signs fail there will be no harmony
until the people have punished their