The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1911-04-06

dissatisfied with the Republicans.
OF course the Democrats have no
difficulty in proving that the return to
power in congress was coming to
them, and they intend. if possible, to
prove that the confidence of the peo-
pie was not misplaced. On the other
hand, the Republicans will do their
utmost to demonstrate that theirs is
the only party which can safely be
trusted with the management of the
stupendous affairs of the federal gov
ernment. Therefore, while the Demo-
Gratis are bending every energy to
make good" the Republicans will be
drawing upon all their ingenuity to
discredit them.
Presidency is mt Stake.
1t seems superfluous to remark that
upon the skill displayed by both
sides will depend in large measure
the outcome of the national election
in 1912. That is to say. the Demo-
Gratis will be playing for the presi-
dency as we'll as for the complete
control of both branches of congress,
while the stake for which the Repub-
licans will be striving is the retention
Of the presidency and the senate, and
the reclamation Of the house. So
valuable is the prize that Col. w. j.
Bryan has seen fit to come to Wash
ington to consult with Democrats
with whom he has always affiliated.
and who are strong in both branches
of congress, with respect to the SAT-
est course to be pursued.
True, Mr.. Bryan says his mission
here was merely to be present at the
unusual spectacle of Democrat be-
ing inducted into the speakership-
sight which has not been witnessed
for sixteen years-and to felicitate
with the members Of his party upon
the excellent prospects which con-
front 1t. But it would be absurd to
suppose he will not discuss matters
of policy with the Democratic lead
ers. at any rate those who have sup
ported him unquestionably in the
past and still consider him potent
individual factor in the national De-
mocracy. Especially is this to be ex-
pected since sharp cleavage has
developed among the Democrats in
the senate, one faction standing for
most of the progressive or radical
principles for which Mr.. Bryan has
been contending while the other ad-
vocates more conservative course.
Bryan May Be Candidate.
The fundamental differences which
separate the radical and conserva-
tive Democrats in the senate consti-
tute one of the pegs upon which the
Republicans hang their hope Of bring
ing confusion upon the Democrats
and regaining the good will of the
country. Mr. Bryan is particularly
interested in the success Of the house
Democrats, inasmuch as he considers
Champ Clark, the speaker, as most
eligible man for the presidential nom
ination next year. Clark and Gov.
Woodrow Wilson Of New Jersey are
now at the head Of his list, although
there is always the possibility of the
colonel giving himself precedence
over both Of them. For it is betray-
ing no secret to say that there are
loyal followers of the Nebraskan who
think he ought to be, and will be, a
candidate for the fourth time.
The colonel said that he liked the
Legislative program adopted by the
Democratic caucus. and as though to
emphasize the distinction between
the two Democratic elements in the
senate. he declared that one of the
first things which should be done is
the acceptance Of the constitutions of
New Mexico and Arizona, with the
initiative and referendum and recall
features. He expressed qualification
over the harmony which prevailed at
the caucus, and complimented the
Democrats on having done fine
days work." Gov. Harmon of Ohio is
prudently not undertaking to make
suggestions as to party policy.
While the Democratic preliminaries
have been set off with eclat, Presi-
dent Taft undoubtedly expects that
the passage of the Canadian reciproc-
ity bill will work benefit to the Re-
publican party and promote his own
chances of reelection. Although the
Canadian agreement has provoked op-
position in the Republican ranks. Mr..
Taft is of the firm conviction that its
merits will come to be generally rec
iognized, and that the administration
will be given proper credit for Its
negotiation. Still, as has been point
cd out before, the Democrats are not
disposed to pass the reciprocity bill
ahead Of everything else for reasons
which will be explained.
It has virtually been decided by
the Democratic leaders of the house
to pass at least one Of the individual
tariff bills before acting upon the
Canadian agreement.
The plan now is to revise the WOOL
en- schedule as early as possible and
send it to the senate. While that
body is discussing it the reciprocity
bill will be taken mp by the house and
in due time disposed Of But before
this is done it is possible than one
or two other measures on the Demo-
cratic program will be passed along
to the senate. SO that that body will
have plenty to do before considering
reciprocity.
Are Not to Aid Mr.. Taft.
The strategy of this procedure
ought to appeal to any one who un-
derstands that it is not the purpose
of the Democrats to play entirely into
the hands of the president. but. on
the contrary, to make everything they
do count, if possible, to their own adj
vantage. To withhold reciprocity un-
til at least one, and perhaps more,