Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1910-03-31

laughed to scorn by little Nicaragua.
Pinchot and Ballinger got by the ears,
and Taft's efforts at settlement were
self-confessed failure. Congress, sum
moned in special session, framed up
tariff under the auspices OF those hide
bound protectionists, Aldrich and Can
non, which nobody, not even Taft him
self, would accept as an honest fulfilment
OF the lower tariff pledge. After admit
ting this much, Taft took q sudden turn
about and went over the country defend
ing the bin almost without reservation,
and denouneing the Western Republicans
who voted against 1t. All the while
strong revolt against Cannonism in the
House was imminent. Taft did what be
could to help Cannon until the final clash
came, when he assumed a neutral posi-
ton.
But aside from all this the public has
placed Taft as rather too favorable to the
large interests, rather too considerate OF
their rights and privileges, rather too
chummy with Aldrich and the money
power OF the East, and rather too careless
OF the great mass of the people. The old
Republican conservatives seem to be in
the saddle now, instead OF the progress
sives who helped Roosevelt through. The
Garfields, the Pinchots and others are
soured, In consequence, and giving the
administration no end OF trouble. Thu
Middle and Far West are angry and re-
sentful. They find Taft an unworthy
successor of Roosevelt, aud denounce bis
policies as plated ware. Taft treats them
scornfully aud caters to the East. He
has discovered plenty OF courage, and
strikes hard at the opposition, especially
those within the party that do not agree
with him. He snarls when he cracks the
party whip in vain. He seems to have an
undue idea of the relations of the party
and the public. He is not independent
or large in his views, but talks and acts
like politician. OF late, Taft, in his
public utterances, appears downcast and
discouraged. It is almost a whine. some
times, that escapes him. He seems to feel
that his administration is lettering on
the brink of failure. Such an exhibition
tends to hasten such a state. Pluck and
a stiff backbone really seem needed by
Taft at this iuacture. There is no divi-
sion in the Republican party that cannot
be healed II treated right. Cannon has
virtually been unloaded already
necessary step. Instead OF cumming
around with Aldrich, give the progress
sives good word now and then, instead
Of knock. Sooner or later it will pene-
trate the dull brains at Washington that
the Republican party is with the insur-
gents. II not altogether, then much 80.
The rank and file in the East just as
warmly support them as the West. and
when they get a chance to speak, AZ they
did in Massachusetts the other day, it
will be made clear.
In this uncertain hour, Roosevelt re- /
turns. What will he say? What will he
doY win he endorse Taft, Aldrich, Can
non and all they have done, or will be de-
clare them recreant Will he side with
Garfield and Pinchot ? He cannot re-
main neutral or silent. One blast from
him would wither Taft. But it might
save the party from complete overthrow.
1t might set things at right, assure the
progressives, COW the dictionaries and
get things in line for great achievements.
What will happen when the Emperor
comes back from Elba 1?