The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-04-04
MIXING THE ISSUES.

| Colonel RooseveIt's recent announce
ment that he favored a revision of the
tariff on facts ascertained by tarlff
| commission so that there would be nc
| more protection than that needed to
| give the American workingman a
square deal again emphasizes the fact
| that on most of the important issue
| of national concern he stands, as he al
ways has. for the same things that
| President Taft does. This is Mr.. Taft
attitude exactly in the matter of tariff
revision. He has been striving valiant
Nv to work it out 1t is not plan that
can be brought to a successful conclu-
sion over night. like some tariff re-
visions have been effected. 1t takes
time. And because Mr.. Taft has
striven for an orderly and effective re-
vision of the tariff he has been bit
terly and unfairly assailed as high
protectionist playing into the hands OF
the interests by most of the newspapers
that are now so vigorous in their sup
port of the candidacy of Colonel Roose-
Welt for third presidential term
AS has been pointed out in these col
unans before where Mr.. Taft and MI.
Roosevelt are in disagreement concern
ing public policy, the matters at issue
are of state concern. Colonel Roose-
velt,s campaign slogan is Let the peo-
ME rule" To let them rule he would
have the initiative and the referendum
adopted and also a plan for the recaH
of iudiciaI decisions where laws adopt
ed by legislatures at the behest OF the
peoDIe are declared unconstitutional
Colonel Roosevelt has not suggested
that the initiative and the referendum
be applied to federal legislation Meth
err has he suggested that his pet plan
for the recall of judicial decisions De
applied to the federal supreme court
Therefore, he is making his campaign
for A third presidential term IN
the main on issues that are purely OF
state scope. President Taft has taken
an opposite side on these issues because
he does not believe in their principles
He thinks they are at variance with the
form of government on which the
United States was established and by
which it has been built up to the proud
eminence of the greatest nation in the
world. a safe and secure haven for the
worthy oppressed of other lands,
country where the opportunities for in
dividual progress are multitudinous and
unmatched, regardless of the pratings
of the pessimists. There are many who
agree with President Taft in the posi-
ton he has taken on these questions
where he is at odds with Colonel
Roosevelt.
However, these questions or issues
are not of national scope. And it would
be refreshing if Colonel Roosevelt and
his managers would take another
breath and get into the political fight
on national issues. Their failure to do
so can only be taken as a confession on
their part that they would not have
leg to stand on if they crossed swords
with President Taft on national pro-
gressive issues. His accomplishments
as president form a record to which he
and the Republican party can we'll
point with satisfaction. His definite
plans for a big saving in the expenses
of conducting the federal government
are almost of sufficient Importance.
alone to entitle him to a denomination
and recollection