The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-12-26

NEW YORK. Dec 25-The World
prints the following interview with
Gov. Wilson: +
quixzical smile stole over the in
tellectual features OF Woodrow Will
son, governor of New Jersey, as he
leaned back in his chair and repeated
the question: What Is a progressive
Democrat The former president Of
Princeton university paused for a mo-
ment. unlocked his eyeglasses from a
little gold catch on his vest and, hold
ing them In his hand to emphasize his
reply, said: -
Il can best answer that question by
first trying TO define q Republican. Il
do not mean progressive Republican
for a progressive Republican is
only Republican in way to become
a Democrat--but an orthodox Republi-
can, still dominated by the older
standards OF his party.
IAN orthodox Republican Is man
who really believes that the govern
ment OF this country ought to be sort
Of trusteeship. that those who have
the biggest material at stake In It's in
dustrial affairs should be the trustees,
and that all policy should be made TO
conform to their Judgment and inter
est. In the expectation that, as trus-
tees, they will hand on to those whom
their enterprise controls fair and
reasonable share OF the prosperity OF
business.
Now, a progressive Democrat is
man who sees, what ought TO be pat
ent to everybody. that these self-con-
stituted trustees have been both blind
and selfish; that a dangerous and In
iauitable system OF business has been
built up and that changes must De
effected which will square the CONNER
cial and Industrial methods OF the
country with the general interest, the
interest OF the people at large as I'M
derstood by the people themselves, and
not BY special coteries. When the
representatives OF big business think
OF the people, they do not INCLUDE
themselves"
Gov. Wilson was speaking in low,
well-modulated tones. His voice has a
particular charm, even in ordinary
conversation: II il admirably pitched
and has retained more than trace
OF Southern softness. His diction re-
minds one forcibly of Sir Henry lrv.
ing's. Classic is the only word that de-
scribes II.
Policies Of Progressive Democracy.
Forestalling the next question, Gov.
Wilson continued
What policies characterize progress
siYe Democracy? All those policies
whose object Is to wrest government
from the control Of special groups OF
men. and restore II TO the control or
the general opinion OF the country.
Ali the policies that re-establish the
connection between representatives
and the people All well-considered
measures that will. tend TO re-estab-
lish general opportunity and freedom
OF enterprise"
The good-natured but rather cold
blooded face grew stern, almost grim,
and with an evident realisation OF the
difficulties 10 be overcome, the gov.
ernor went on:
1T will need wide, common counsel
TO work such policies out No one
class or group OF men can work them
out alone The man OF affairs and the
politician must come into conference
with the student and the ardent re.
former"
do you not think that there is
everywhere manifest very great dis.
content with existing conditions
was the next question.
Most assuredly. IL is discomfort
With the trusteeshlp and It's results
A humorous twinkle In the governor 8
Eye and the most genial of smiles re-
Ayed the bluntness OF the answer.
wilson's expression changes
i ~. A moment before II had been
now Il was beaming.
governor, il the discomfort
l-n the west than I'm the east?'
c. bot think so. The difference
lilo cine TO be that In the west a
option Of the real facts OF