New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-05-17
SOUND DEMOCRATIC HOPE
Good Chance for Presidency,
Brooklyn Diners Are Told.
OREGON SENATOR SPEAKS
Chamberlain Says Only Taft
Takes Republican Platform
Promises Seriously.

Senator George Z. Chamberlain, of Ore
gon, told hundred and fifty members of
the Brooklyn Democratic Club at their an
nual dinner last night that President Taft
was the only man In Washington who took
the promises of the Republican platform
seriously. He also warned the Democrats
THAI they must get back to Jefersonian
simplicity if they would elect Democratic
President and dwelt on the initiative and
referendum as a means to overcome boss
rule.
1t was an Andrew Jackson dinner, held
al the Cafe Raub, corner of Neyins street
and F1atbush avenue, and Dudley Field
Malone Assistant Corporation Counsel, said
that while many people regarded Theodore
Roosevelt as original, the former President
was in reality the man in public lie to-day
who fitted most closely into the character
OF Andrew Jackson.
There was considerable disappointment at
the non-appearance OF Congressman Eu-
gene L. Foss and Governor Gilchrist of
Florida >>who were scheduled TO speak.
While Mr.. Foss wrote that the illness of
his father prevented him from attending,
Governor GiIchrist who preferred the at
fractions of q New York theatre to the
Brooklyn Democratic Club dinner, wrote a
diners, as he wrote that 1.-The next Presi-
dent will be a Democrat and proceeded
10 back up this assertion by recalling the
results of the Congressional elections in
Missouri and Massachusetts,, as we'll as in
Monroe County THE fact that a Repub-
lican ex-President has been shooting ele-
plants in Africa should suggest to the peo-
PIE the adrisability of shooting the Repub-
lican elephant in America at the next cleo
tion,'' he added.
Letters Of regret were also received from
Governor Harmon of Ohio. Governor Fran
els of Missouri Governor Mann of Vir-
giRia. Woodrow Wilson, Champ Clark and
Mayor Gaynor. One letter of regret, which
was not read, was that from DR.. st. Clair
McKelway, who expressed regret that he
could not be present TO hear Senator
Chamberlain, Congressman Foss and Re-
organizer Osborne and added: could
come. however, I should not speak, as my
views can more easily and less objection
ably be expressed in my paper than in any
form that would shorten the time of the
| foregoing gentlemen or require them to
shorten mine"
Alonzo G. Mclaughlin. president of the
club. was toastmaster, and in welcoming
the guests he declared that the Democratic
opportunity in this state lay in the graft
exposures at ALBANY and in the opposition
manifested by the Republican bosses to the
programme and policies of our excellent
Governor. Charles E, Hughes
There is some trouble in the Democratic
party said Senator Chamberlain. Il fear
we are getting away from the people, yet
popular government is nothing but Demo-
cratic government. 1 know you have no
bosses in New York, but in some other
parts of the country we have them. Where
the boss exists he rules in fact as well as
in name. Whether he is a Democratic or
Republican boss, he names the delegates
TO the county and the state conventions,
and he names them for his employers, for
the boss is generally the hireling of the
special interests which require legislation to
protect them
The Senator then proceeded to detail the
| measures taken in Oregon TO overcome boss
rule. These were the adoption OF the Aus
tralian ballot AMI of the initiative and ref
erendum. He pointed out that the initiative
and referendum was becoming more pop
ular, and was adopted in such a conserva-
! tive state Maine, while Massachusetts
was seriously considering taking it up.
One of the first effects Of the initiative and
referendum, he said. was the adoption of a
direct primary nominations law, so that
now the people and not the boss-ridden
convention names candidates and dictates
/ the platforms. The direct primary was not
/ Democratic or Republican doctrine. but it
was return TO the Jeffersonian principle
that the people can be trusted.
THE Republican insurgents in the House
and Senate stand for this same doctrine"
he declared and this revolution in public
| sentiment has brought about the retire
ment of Senator Hale and Senator Aldrich
from the field. II the direct primary nom
| iration for Senators were adopted in this
state, you know better than ] do whether
either OF the distinguished Senators from
this state would ever be reelected.
The President has made one great mis-
! take. He actually for the first time has
taken seriously the promises made IN the
| Republican platform. He is the only man
who ever did take that platform seriously.
| Senator Aldrich and Speaker Cannon Ger
/ tainiy never did. as is shown by the cool
manner in which tie Presidents recon-
mendations are received in both houses.
| The interstate commerce bill as finally
passed is - changed that its father would
never know it. The bin looked when intro
duced as Il framed 10 prevent regulation of
the railroads and TO virtually repeal the
Sherman act
Fortunately tho insurgent Republicans
and the Democrats have pointed out these
! features, and the bill is now moro accept
able Most OF the good things in the Re
publican platform have been copied from
the Democratic platforms of former years.
The Democratic party must get back 10
Jefersonian principles. Give the people of
| New York State the opportunity TO name
their own candidates. and then, but not till
then, viii the country be restored 10 Demo-
/ cratic rule"
D. cady Herrick and Berman A. Metz, a
| vice-president of the club also addressed
| the gathering.
AEROPLANE BUMPS A HILLOCK