Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1912-07-18

parties offer only p1atitudes. They
are even shy on the promises this
year.
There is practically no difference
between the Republican and Demo
cratic platforms this time. The main
thing then to be considered is the
personnel Of the candidates.
We all know who Taft is and where
he stands. He is well meaning and
conservative gentleman of consider
able judicial temperament, and little
executive ability. He was selected by
Roosevelt as the heir of my policies,
when there was no other policy left IT,
inherit than the CONTINUOUS use OF
base drum. And Roosevelt took that
drum to Africa and left Taft with
whistle.
Taft is conservative by birth, bring
/ ing up and convictions 1t is simply ma
tural for a man of that type to be
closely allied with men like Root,
Crane and Hammond, and to disre-
gard the economic changes of our
| times. The Republican party was al
ways the faTorite organization of
capitalism, and Taft simply wants it
to continue in that mission.
The opposition in the Republican
party is represented by the ex-Presi-
dent, Colonel Theodore Roosevelt.
Where Roosevelt stands on all the
great questions of the day nobody
seems to know. doubt whether
Roosevelt himself knows, because
with his brilliant but very erratic mind
! he may revise and change all Of his
principles and convictions by tomor-
row afternoon.
| At the same time it does not appear
that he will1play much of part if he
does run, unless he is satisfied to be
the pathfinder of new organization,
which is on it's way to nowhere in
particular.
The nominee OF the Democratic
party is Woodrow Wilson: for the
fist time in the history Of this coun-
try school master has been nomi-
mated for the presidency. / shall ignore
the way he was nominated after Will
liam Jennings Bryan in a rather die
tatoria1 fashion had made impossible
the nomination of either Clerk or
Underwood.
Wilson, at first glance, looks like a
strong man. but he will have hard sled
ding at the next election.
| 1t is true that the country is FESTIVE
and eager for a change. The average
voter foolishly believes that it is with
in the power Of an administration to
make good times or bad times at will.
And almost everybody is dissatisfied.
The evils and shortcomings of the
social fabric and of the present econo-
mic system are laid at the doors OF
the administration that happens to be
in power. And this ardent desire of
the average citizen for change will
act in favor of Wilson.
On the other hand, Wilson will be
very much handicapped by his past.
Wilson has written many books. And
being a recent convert to the cause
of Progressiveism, his works stand out
/ a oainst him
Wilson has not only attacked the
Soulful European, Jewish and Slavonic
immigration, but he has also denounc-
ed labor in most vicious manner
He once declared that he preferred
a Chinese coolie to the American
trade union men, because the former
were more law abiding, and more in
dustrious, and worked cheaper-or
words to that effect. Wilson may
have changed his mind, but he will
have to explain, and the candidate that
must explain is in very poor posi-
ton.
Wilson has also said things against
the Roman Catholic church and has
written letters in favor of Prohibition
that will require explanation. So will
his behavior during the late strikes in
New Jersey.
1t win also be pointed out that while
Wilson is posing as a progressive
Boss Murphy, Of Tammany. voted fol
y r. &