The Irish standard., 1912-06-08
WON'T HAVE A THIRD TERM.

In an editorial in the last issue of
the Commoner Mr.. Bryan predicts
that Mr.. Roosevelt will be a :2n-.-
cate. In Mr.. Bryan's opinion he will
either be the nominee of the regular
convention or of a boiling conven-
ton AS regards the possibility Of de-
feating Mr.. Roosevelt, the Commoner
has this to say:
Can Roosevelt be defeated? Yes,
by any good progressive. A progress
sive will hold the democratic vote and
the Republicans who oppose a third
term will do the rest. Mr.. Clark and
Mr. Wilson are the leading progressive
candidates-either one of them can
defeat Roosevelt. The country will
never have q president for third
term.'
The defeat of the Republican NOM
il'ee, whether he happens to be Tart
or Roosevelt or a compromise candi-
date is a pratical certainty. A COM
promise candidate would have the
best chance on account of the war that
Is on in the party. Tafts unpopu-
larity, as proven by the results of the
primaries, makes it certain that he
could not win the election even though
he did get the nomination. And yet,
In spite of Taft's unpopularity, Roose-
welt is having a hard fight for the
nomination which is all indication that
he is not in favor with the country at
large. With the Republicans this year
1t Is a case of choosing between two
undesirables. One section of the mar
ty Is opposed to Taft on account of
the failure of his administration, but
they are more strongly opposed to a
violation of the no-third- term prin-
ciple. And so they still prefer Taft
to Roosevelt. Another section OF the
party Is opposed to the -third-term
principle, but they are more opposed
To the reelection of Taft. They,
therefore, cast their ballots for Roose-
welt. Neither side is wholly salts
fled. 1t Is case of loving neither
Caesar nor Rome and vet having to
choose between them.
The Democrats are in an excellent
position to win the next election. The
third term issue properly presented
is amply sufficient to prove the UNI
doing of the ambitious Roosevelt, The
fundamental principle of democracy
Is that men are capable of governing
themselves. When Il nation has reach
ed the point where its salvation de-
pehds on one man. then it Is high time
for 1t to declare democracy a failure.
Government Of the people has not been
failure in this country. The nation
WILL prove It's ability to stand on its
own feet. If the opportunity is given,
by repudiating the candidacy of the
man who dares to disregard the
wholesome custom that was estab-
lished by the one president who was
the unanimous choice of the people.
There was greater need for the ruid.
ing hand of great, experienced
statesman for president at the end of
Washington's second term than there
Is now. Washington was considered
such man. Yet Washington was not
carried away by ambition or egoism
tc the extent of thinking that he was
the only great man in the country.
Roosevelt is emphasizing the magni-
tude Of the dangers ahead of the ma
ton and proportionately minimizing
the abilities of other men. He can
see but two things: the enormity Of
the danger and the superiority Of
Roosevelt. His ambition Is leading him
into absurdities. The tower is built
OF himsy material. 1t is doomed to
topple or to be blown over.