The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1911-09-18
MAcK's PREDICTIONS.

Norman +. Mack. chairman Of the
Democratic National Committee. out
lines I'm the Buffalo Times the political
situation as ne sees it today. He finds
that the Campaign of 1912 has been
opened a year ahead Of time, precipi-
tated by the Presidents vetoes. These,
lie thinks. have compelled premature
formation Of the Republican battle
line. while many Of its corps are disor-
ganized. undrilled, out Of reach and
.mutinous. The forecast suggested to
him by these conditions is:
First, a desperate futile effort on
the part of the Progressives to get
command Of the Republican National
Convention.
Second. The possible calling Of a
Convention OF their own. which would
place the Republican Party in "a posi-
ton analogous to that of the Demo-
Gratis in 1896 consequent on the Palmer
and Buckner Convention.
Third. In case the Republican Pro-
gressiyes do not name ticket of
their own, a merely nominal participa-
ton by them in the Republican Cam
lpaign in 1912.
Fourth. At any rate a separation Of
an immense body Of Republicans from
their Party during the campaign aud
at the polls. and the election Of De
mocratic President.
Observant Republicans must admit
the present FEASIBILITY of Mr. Mack's
suggestions. made though they are
from biased point Of view. But they
are made too early. Then, too, Mr.
Mack makes his predictions on the the
DRY that all the possible discourage
ments TO the Republicans will event
uate. and on the assumption Of a unit
ed and enthusiastic Democracy. The
on. fact is that the Republicans are
as vide apart today as they are like
ly to be. The other fact is that the
Democrats are drifting rapidly into
condition where Progressive and Con
servative Democrats will soon be by
the ears.
Already the signs are pregnant with
sOlemnity for the devotees of Democ-
racy who look for an easy victory.
with Mr.. Bryan openly demanding tho
Of Governor Harmon. the
most significant vote getter the party
has developed In ten years. and tho
party press In the East closing down
on Governor Wilson's boom. it does not |
look as though all was rosy for the |
Democrats.
But, back Of all these internocine |
combats. there Is another force which |
decides Presidential elections. and that |
Is the independent or unattached vot
nrs. Take the National onventions Of |
1896 a block Of delegates walked out !
Of the Republican meeting. They or
Eanized the Silver Republican Party |
They Endorsed the democratic Candl-
date for President, and announced that |
they were the people. The Democrats |
named Mr.. Bryan on "A wave OF en-
thusiasm. Despite a back fire from the |
ID. u. Hill forces, there was no open
revolt. The Palmer and Buckner
did not spring directly from
dlssension in the National Convention.
as did the Silver Republican Party.
IL was organized aftcrward. and Il new
or amounted 10 anything IN votes any
way. Probably the Silver Republican
movement did not either. but It's lead
ers were wise enough not TO expose It's
weakness by casting a separate vote.
II voted for Bryan.
Now. who decided the campaign of
1896? The people took tho Platforms
OF the two parties. and gave their votes
for the one that appealed To- them az
the more sane. They will do that again
In 1912. Who was right on the tarin
bills Of the extra session. the Prcsi-
dent or Champ Clark This will be
the issue, and II Is one on which com
mon sense points TO the Endorsement OF
the President.