The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1912-10-03
A Republican View

the Republican party IN polltical az
fairs. lie has believed in its noble
origin and creditablo history; has
counted II the servant Of the people
in progressive legislation; admired
its administrative ability when In
office; and regarded its leaders as
men of ability and conscience.
Pertinent Questions
II was a matter of satisfaction when
he moved to kentucky to know that
the section where he located was
Republican In its sentiment and in
timately connected with the origin
of the party. 1t wos a pleasure on
his first arrival to share in the
triumph of a new Republican ad-
ministration. Now 1t CRATES hard on
the ear to hear that party and adj
ministration so Violently assailed,
to see its members deserving, TO
hear 1t caricatured as dying or dead
and to read tho discreditable epithets
attached to the namo Of its chief
executive. The change In four years
has been great indeed. Most of the
discreditable things have already
been said and 1t Is time to take ac-
count of stock. II is surely pertinent
to raise the question whether the
causes are adequate to explain this
change OF sentiment. Hasn't the
president carried on his high office
with dignity and courtesy. Hasn't
he accorded to ell q fair hearing and
given to every interest its due cor
sideration as the chief executive OF
a great people with diverse and var
led interests and opinions is bound
to do? Hasn't he sought to pre-
serve harmony that the people might
be prosperous? And hasn't the coun-
try been prosperous?
Learn Wisdom from History
should an administration be discred-
tied because IL has not done all tho
people want? Have the American
people become restless and eager
for speedy change? 1t is not too
hopeful a sign In Republic. What
president ever succeeded in satisfy
ing the people? Washington did not,
for he retired from office angered
and panied by tho heartless criti-
cisms of his people. jefferson did
not for he retired chagrincd by the
defeat of his efforts to prevent war
with England. Lincoln did not for
he was tho most abused man of his
time because he did not bring things
to pass as quickly as the people
wanted. Cleveland did not, for his
true merit was only discovered af-
ter a stormy administration had long
ended. 1t is the teaching of our past
history that an administration may
fail to meet the expectations of the
people and yet be most worthy Of
approval and support. 1t is altogether
too easy to allow e multitude of dis
contents to overbalance the real and
substantial achievements especially
when such discontents are magnified
in the heat Of political rivalry.
Much Credit Due Administration
Can Republicans allow the impress
sion to pass current that their ad-
is a failure in the light
of what it has been able to accomp-
fish? Reforms have been made in
the public service which have saved
money for the people. The impor-
tant subject of taxation has been con-
corporations have been made
to bear heavier part of the burden
and a plan for an income tax has
been submitted TO the states for ap-
prevail. The great lines of transpor-
tation have been placed under better
control by increase in the power of
the Interstate Commission. Never
have the laws against trusts and mon
opolies been so vigorously and impair
TALLY enforced. A plan for currency
reform adequate to prevent financial
crises has been proposed along lines
that all students OF finance know. TO
be correct. The work On the Panama
Canal, the largest work Of internal
ever projected in Am
erica, has been carried on with an
honesty and efficiency never equal
ID even in small affairs. Our natur-
n resources in lands. forests and
minerals have boon safeguarded.
Laws have been passed for the wei
fare of labor. one placing liability on /
employers and others securing great !
pr safety in conditions of labor. The
limit has been reach
ID in the interests OF our childhood |
life by the creation OF a childrens'
Bureau. In Foreign affairs. delicate
diplomatic questions have been skill.
FULLY and successfully carried on with