The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1910-01-14
care and comfort. through rank par
tisauship as in the old way.
REAPING THE HARVEST.

dence of rebellion in the ranks OF
the Republican party 1t manifested
itself during the late special session
of Congress and has more recently
given evidence Of special activity In
the middle west. At first 1t was no1
directed towards the President, but II
WAS claimed mat it was protest
merely against speaker, Cannon ana
The late tariff act which was en-
acted at the special session, because
the new law did not go far enough
In reductions. Now the insurgents,
50 called. are openly defying the
President and there is evidence OF
deep laid conspiracy which bodies
no good TO Mr.. Taft during his pres
emf administration and, If successful
will surely either defeat him for re-
nomination or bring humiliating de-
feat in the general elections In 1912.
In looking about for a cause OF TINS
defiance of party discipline, we are
forced to admit that it was caused
by former President Roosevelt. He was
upon all occasions preaching parry in
dependence. holding not that the party
was above individuals. but that the IN
dividual was above the party. He de-
fled party discipline and set the
example by ignoring party lines In
appointment to office to such an ex-
tent that at times he was accused
of being a Democrat. He openly en-
couraged the breaking lose from party
ties in order TO carry his pei
schemes or hobbies through. He set
premium upon boilers. Is 1t any
wonder that the members of Congress
who have followed his leadership for
ten or twelve years should now con-
slider 1t an honor TO act above me
party. as the insurgents conceive
that they are doing? At first Mr.. Taft
rather encouraged this sort of action,
but he soon found that IT would lead
to inevitable party disruption and thai
no party can long exist without dis
cipline and without acting as a unit
upon the questions of party policy
but he is now reaping the harvest
which was soon in such utter disre-
gard of all party laws by his prede-
cessor. We are glad to note that The
President has faced about and has
taken a strong stand for party loyalty
II will take some years 10 undo oil
gather up the seeds of discord which
have been sown, and it may unmake
his administration, but it must bC
done. Under our system of govern
ment, we cannot do without parties
and 40 party can exist unless NJ
adherents are loyal TO the policies
laid down by the majority, and We
out it's policies by placing the officer!
within the grasp of persons whose I'D
|
President deserves the support of
united party in every act in th'
struggle to put into effect the princi
pies laid down in the National plat
form, and when men in Congress ol
cut of Congress find that they are GU
of harmony with these principles
they should line themelves with SOM
other party or establish one will
which they are in harmony. We hear'
~ endorse the President for his firm
stand for party discipline. The maj
who for years would feed at he publ
crib by The helping hand of his part
and then at the moment when hi
services are in demand. turn his bacl
upon that party, is an unworthy citi
zen and he is ell the more unworth,
when he pretends tn remain with hi
party but stabs it in the back upol
all occasions.