The Washington herald., 1912-06-04
TAFT is VICTOR
In FIRST ROUND
OF OHIO FIGHT
Continued from Page One.

close one of the most sanguinary wars
Of the modern era"
Discusses Conditions.
He discussed the conditions in the
country at present and declared that
among the factors which have deter
mined the course OF American life, in
tense individualism and a desire for per-
sonal independence are foremost.
No one can fail TO recognize the ex-
isting unrest which in a large measure
has a rational foundation. Bald dishon-
esty has been proven against men who
sit in the realms OF finance and great
business organizations have been con-
Quoted to secure dishonest gains"
The Senator declared that the average
citizen is ofttimes Carelessly Indifferent
to the affairs Of state and that individual
interests absorb the attention OF most
of our citizens.
The recent primaries in this and other
States afford a most striking Illustration
OF this. Notwithstanding an exciting
campaign for a Presidential nomination
in which every reason existed for an in
terest surprising any prior contest, We
have witnessed in State after State the
deplorable spectacle OF a vote barely one
half that Of the total electorate"
StIn Believes in Primaries.
The Senator said that in the years 1906
and 1907 he widely advocated the Ohio
State primary law and that he is now un-
willing to say that the legislature made
a mistake in providing for the primary.
but he declared that a political revival
is necessary in order TO save the virtue
OF the primaries to the people.
NO radical changes looking toward
betterment will follow such reforms as
the primary. the initiative. the referen-
dunn, and certainly not the recall. unless
there be a widespread awakening which
shall arouse the citizen to a new and
abiding sense OF his responsibility. Per
haps II is best that some loud voice Of
awakening should be heard by those who
for so long a time have prized their citi-
zenship so lightly"
Advocates short Ballot.
He advocated the adoption Of the short
ballot and the dimunition Of the number
Of elective officers and a corresponding
Increase in the number OF appointlve
officers
Senator Burton then turned TO the rec
ord OF the Republican party. and cited
the Sherman antitrust Law. the powers
given TO the Interstate Commerce Com
mission. railroad legislation. postal saw
ings bank system, child labor laws, and
the workmens compensation bill as part
OF its recent record OF beneficent legisIa-
tioh.
He urged the necessity for the adoption
OF monetary reforms and the revision
OF the tariI under conditions which will
insure protection to American interests.
He declared the high cost OF living
should find some remedy in a properly
constructed tariff, and declared that this
evil is not traceable to the Payne-Ald-
rich tariff law. The increased produc-
ton OF gold had also tended to increase
the cost OF commodities.
A Federal Incorporation act, he said.
is becoming a necessity. Future policies
should also include more perfect regu-
lation for the conservation Of our ma
tional resources. Waste and monopoliza-
ton should be prevented. Much more i'm
portant still is the conservation Of hu-
man life and OF human health"
He concluded: Let US not base our
upon the generallties Of the
muckraker or despair at the indifference
Of the electorate. Ohio is keeping step
with the march of progress. We can
look beyond our own confines and safely
challenge comparison with any other
Commonwealth -