Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1912-08-16
The Roosevelt Greed
Times Dispatch:

convictions of a statesman upon the
grave national problems that confront
the American people. Laying aside
all prejudice against the man and all
memory of his past breaches of faith
and all doubt as to his sincerity, let
us examine what he promises for the
good of the people, and as claim
upon the votes of the thoughtful and
honest independence.
There il nothing new, nothing def
mite, nothing practically constructive
in his address. 1t is full of the old
platitudes about the need for making
the government n government by the
people, and about the square deal,
and about helping business. large
or small, if honest, and roofing out
all dishonesty. But it contains no
single clear-cut proposal whereby the
people can take charge of their gov
eminent. or whereby dishonesty.
greed or corporate lawlessness can be
curbed. AS whole, it is wonder
fully specious and cunningly worded
plea for votes from all classes. 1t
sounds profound and full of progress
sive faith. In fact, it is IL creed of
glittering gcneralities and vague
hopes. Doubtless it contains many
good things, the fundamental desires
of the people. 1t voices the hopes
that every true American and bclicv-
er in democracy would desire to have
made conc rete realities. Yet il brings
us no jot or title nearer the realiza-
ton of these hopes It's apparent
frankness aud superficial promise of
betterment of living conditions are
admirably calculated to deceive the
unintelligent. But to the thoughtful
and honest man it brings no candle
ray of light to illuminate grave qucs-
tions. 1t is Il marvellous campaign
document, and nothing more.
Described briefly, Roosevelt advo-
Gates government by commission,
with the implied opinion that as ap-
pointer and head of all the commits
sions he would be wonder worker.
On the principal issue % the tariff,
he is essentially standpatter. lie
believes in protective tariff as
strongly as ever. He urges that it
should be enforced for the benefit of
the ultimate consumer. Yet for this
end, he can see no .other means than
the establishment of the discredited
Tariff Commission with en- arged
powers. He treats the whole question
lightly, and adds nothing to his pre-
vious record. He remains fast in the
principles of the Republican party,
and his position is precisely that upon
which the country has already ropud-
lated MIR. Taft's administration.
On the trusts he is equivocal and
disheartening. Not one word of his
confession will for n moment alarm
any magnate or opulent beneficiary of
protected monopoly. He urges the
blessings of concentration and the eli
mination of competition. AS check
upon predatory wealth, he plans a
tpye of national corporation commits
sion similar to the Interstate Com
merce Commission. This shall have
power to investigate trusts, regulate
them. land exercise a general control.
How such commission is to be APP
pointed, how It'll to be kept honest,
and what it shall actually do, are
matters too deep for his visionine.
The only new theory presented is
that establishing minimum wage and
standard of living in industries.
Much that he urges in this connection
is admirable. 1t is largely taken from
the advanced economic thinking of
England and Germany. 1t is con-
summation devoutly to be wished for.
But how achieved is again in doubt
Wage commissions is the panacea
again. This part of his faith is a cold
appeal to the laboring men of the
country, but holds little real consola-
tion. Again the country life commits
sion must be revived so that farming
may be made scientific and the lot of
the farmer made better. Another bait
for agricultural votes.
Mr.. Roosevelt is less impressed
with the ACCESSIBILITY of the recall of
judges than before. 1t seems too radi
cal. But in his attempt to conciliate
all classes he is arrantly radical
along other lines. He throws Il sop to
women's suffrage in pseudo-indorse-
ment of the principle of votes fol-
women. He mixes in little taffy fol
the single taxer by suggesting a tax
on land values. He pleads for a
national health department, but avoids
antagonizing any Of the cults OF
isms" by stating that this depart
ment must not discriminate. He is
vague as to how.the cost of living can
be reduced; and wants currency re-
form without telling how it shall be