Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1912-10-26

Since those days he has had a chance to see the workings of the
system from angles. The Roosevelt of today is OF the Roosevelt
of eleven " we of seven years ago. He has progressed with the pro-
gressVe sentiment of the country and has broadened, Is many lndi-
viduals in the movement have. Things which o the former Roosevelt
were heresy are noW his gospel. The initiative and referendum which
he houted when they were put forward by the Bryan Democrats he
% sees are necessary. He realizes that the people must ave the
tools of government n their hands, and instead of swearing by his
party as N the olden days he states in his speech to the Progressive
convention that Democrats and Republicans alike, the professional poll
dcans of the old system. represent government of the needy many, by
professional politicians, in the interests of the rich few
Now Colonel Roosevelt announces his belief in presidential primaries,
election of senator's by direct popular vote, equal suffrage the short ballot
corrupt practises acts, publicity Of campaign contributions during the car
pagn. the recall of public officials, the recall of judicial decisions which
violate fundamental rights and the initiative and referendum.
This lis the full measure OF democracy 70 far a the present constitu-
tional limitations permit. Even the Socialists cannot 70 farther without
tadng a practically nw constitution They, for example. demand the abo-
1hon OF the Senate and of the vee power o. the President, the direct cleo
ton Of President and Vice-PresidenL the abolition of the Supreme Courts
power to pass m the consttutionaity of laws. and national initiative and
referendum.
Colonel Roosevelt sincerely belle ves that the progressive movement,
and it's success is the only thing Which stands in the way 0. revolution,
or Socialism. Roosevelt believes that the powers of government must be
used in a larger measure for the benefit of the masses He believes
however, that they. will not be 10 used until the instruments of govern
ment are secured by the people and the government is made responsive
to popular demands.
Colonel Roosevelt says: What | desre to do is to give the people
the chance to make their representa- tiyes really represent them" There
is a personal note in his Confession of Faith speech m this subject He
says:
II have not come to this way of thinking from closet study. or as a
mere matter of theory; I have been forced to it by a long experience
with the actual conditions of our political life. believe in a larger
use IF the governmental power to help remedy industrial wrongs, be-
cause 1t has been borne in o me by actual experience that without the
exercise of such power many of the wrongs will go unremedied. I be-
neve in a large opportunity for the people themselves directly to par
tepae in government ii to control their governmental agents, be-
cause long experience has taught M that without such control many of
their agents will represent them badly. Our government system
should be Sc shaped that the publ c servant, when he cannot con
scientously carry out the wishes of the people. shall at their desire
servant can by 81 doing better than ain any other way. serve both them
and his Conscience