The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-29
TAFT is WINNING
POPULAR FAVOR
MANY Politicians Now Profess
to Believe He Can Be
Reelected.
ISSUE BEFORE INSURGENTS
They Must Decide Between Re
publican and Democratic
Tariff Theories.
ISSUE BEFORE INSURGENTS

Washington, d. c., December IS
Republican politicians In Washing ton
who are in touch with political condi-
lions throughout the country, agree
In the opinion that President TAFT is
steadily growing IN favor with the
Republican voters at large. Some OF
them. who three months ago were dis
couraBed over the outlook for the next
campaign, now believe that he can be
elected. No well informed politician
has doubt of his denomination
To be sure, one hears a great deal
OF talk about the Roosevelt menace"
and that sort Of thing. but IL does not
come from the men who are yubstan-
TALLY associated with the destinies oil
the Republican party. 1t Is safe to
assert that no Republican accorded the
title of leader in the party believes
that Roosevelt desires to be or will
be nominated at Chicago.
believe Him Sincere.
president Tatts growth I'm popular
faVor is nscribcd To increasing realizu-
ton on the part OF the people OF his
sincerity, his wisdom. his moral and
political integrity. The complaint Of
ten uttered that. he lis not politi-
clan proves TO be "A reactionary cic-
ment in his favor, it is declared.
politician President is about the
last thing the people are looking tor
Just now IL Is admitted. The fortunes
OF the Republican party will be the
fortunes of TAFT. of course. and the
political wiscacrcs in Congress forcscu
u Frightening of party prospects for
l9l2. They confidently expect to de.
rive advantage from the turin lcgisia-
ton OF the present session of Congress
for one thing. They have reasonable
hope. holding the odds TO be even, oI
winning the bulk of the Progressive
element to the support of the Repub-
lican ticket next fail.
Expect Labor Vote.
Based upon the declarations Of the
Democratic leaders in Congress, the
tarin program of the Democratic party
antemplatcs revenue tarin. as
against protective tariff. II that
policy is carried out Republican lead
crs are confident that the workinGmen
and tho farmers will rally to the party
which insists upon reasonable protac-
ton to American industries, as against
tariff which declares for revenue
only.
Hope of reconciliation with the in
surgent element in the Republican
party has its foundation also upon
the iarir situation. y showdown will
come before this session ends. demon
stratins whether that hope is well
have to decide whether they indorse
u tariff for revenue, pure Democratic
policy, or Il tariff that carries rea-
sonabic protection to home Industries.
which is Republican policy.
The constant insistent and proud
boast Of the Progressive Republicans
is that, first of all, they are RcpuS-
licans. They Indignantly resent init
inati"n that they should be numbered
with the Democrats although at times
they Vote with the Democratic party
as protest against an element IF
their own party.
All Insist on Reductions.
No Insurgcnt has yet declared in
Congress that the abandonment of the
protective principle is consistent with
Rcpublicnnism. Their fight has been
against unnecessary protection. Even
the most stalwurt rcactionary is now
ready TO admit that the tariff as Il
stands carries excessive and unneces-
sary protection, and is ready for re-
duction.
The issue then will arise between
the high tariff and the moderate tariff
Republicans over Il specific set of rites.
II the Prcgrcssivcs refuse 10 acccGe
to the Democratic program Of taiiit
FOR revenue only, and reach a compro-
mise with thir brethren ON Il proSST-
tive tarf, will they have reason 10
vote the Democratic ticket in the ma
tional elections: This is the question
which politicians declare lies at the
bottom Of the hope of Republican sue
cess next fall
Where the Shoe Plnchcs.
Talk about the CALLED jan1e wine
ing said New. York Congressman
to-day, Just listen to this. Here is
weekly papers issued for the farmers
the farmers who have been deman dins
prosecution OF the trusts. Hear what
ii says:
"'In spite OF all natural assurances
of good times. considerable doubt pre-
walls In the business world.
"'But this doubt Is confined mainly
10 the United States.
1T is largely due To the fact that
the Federal government is going TO
c%tremes in trust busting and II
thinking that lawyers can regula te
everything.
Bu, fear Is felt usually for things
that never happen.
"'Wiscly directed cooperation m
business and i'll farming. in education
the right way out.
LIVERY progressive nation is en-
courngiHg cooperation
Now hear tho vail:
"'Only Uncle Sam indlc;s n farmers
cooperative milk Ceiling union."