The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-13
OLD TIMERS VIEWS OF
FUTURE OF THE G. O. p.

throng OF strong men who revere the
name Of Lincoln. who followed Grant in
battle, and who supported Mckinley in
those reconstruCtlve years AT the close
of the last century, we hear the prophecy
of rehabilitation
Even in the din OF Democratic shouts
OF triumph Republicans everywhere are
girding themselves for the forward march
to early victories at the polls.
With their usual hOpefulness, based on
past experiences, they see, or think they
see. the certain failure Of Democracy
to accomplish those things so el"Quently
described and promised in the brilliant,
scholarly speeches OF Gov. Wilson.
Not that ne promised anything more
than the country is entitled to; nor do
Republicans deceive themselves with the
idea that the President-clect is not an
earnest and conscientious man. who will
aim 10 guide his victorious party so as
TO avoid the stumbling blocks over which
Mr.. Cleveland fell.
Their faith, If not their hope. lies in
the traditional proneness of the Demo-
cratic party to blunder at the most OPP
perfume moment. Their confidence IN the
ability OF the Republican party to come
to the aid OF the nation when a crisis
arrives has not been shaken by the de
sertion Of such as Roosevelt. Beveridge.
seven little Governors" group.
This is the Republican attitude as the
old party faces the immediate future.
Turning, however. 10 look at the wreck
over which the disorEanized host has
just passed, they hesitate TO calculate
the amount OF efficiency that may have
been saved.
True, they are not vastly impressed
with the character and value Of the SAL
Ts fR
sight.
They see La Toilette. beGrimed with
the dust OF conflict resulting from his
efforts to prevent the return from
Elba," gleefuIly rejoicing that Wiscon-
sin, with his help, did not approve Of
Taft
They behold Cummins. who. while pro-
testing his faith in Republican principles.
is now sadly contemplating the result Of
his own vote for the boiling Roosevelt
and Iowa in the Democratic column.
Unfortunately, the administration it.
self affords them rather a poor founda-
ton upon which to rebuild. Republicans
have their regrets but they have no
word Of condemnation for Mr.. Taft
Rather are they inclined to applaud
him for his manly course under CirCum-
stances that would have tested the pa
thence OF Job himself.
They cannot tarry. even to bemoan
what they believe to have been a blum
der-reciprocity with Canada-or to re-
greet the selection OF a wholly ineXperi-
enced man for national chairman. While
hoping that Mr.. ITilles will relieve the
situation by resigninE. forward they face
again, and, shading their eyes. peer into
the future for those who shall command
them when the time Of rehabilitation
really comes.
Shall II be Hadlev. Borah. Lodge, or
any one of a half dozen others, younger
and less prominent, who will bear the
standard unsulIied? Their faith is firm
in the psychology of politics that the
leader will appear.
These are the impressions CLEANED by
talking with Republicans since the fate
full November i The Republicans are
not discouraged by Roosevelt's deser-
ton of the old party. He himself, they
believe, is politically dead. Their conf
dence in the imperishability of Republic
can principles has not been shaken by
defeat.