New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-06-25
THE SENSIBLE PROGRESSIVE.

M NLN NIBLE IhOthENNII h.
Governor Hadlcy's reasons for dcclin-
ing 10 90 into a third party movement
are likely to appeal to all sensible Pro-
grpSSiyeS as the passions aroused by the
Chicago conflict die away. Most of the
real things for which the PrOgresSivcs
are contending are made articles Of the
Republican party faith. The platform,
with its declarations i'm favor Of an i'm
provement Of court procedure, in favor
of a simpler and more effective method
Of removing Judges who fail to do their
duty, in favor Of workmen's comppnsa-
ton laws and Of other things to bring
about what is called social justice. is, as
Governor Hadley says, the most pro-
greSsive platform that has ever yet been
adopted by any party.
The Progressive movement is some
thing larger than any single personality.
It's success does not depend upon the
election Of any one man TO office. 1t has
made an impressive show Of strength
at Chicago and is bound to exercise a
powerful influence within the Repulli-
can party if the PrOgrcsSiveS continue 10
act within the party. They cannot ac-
compliSh nearly as much by going out
side Of the party and making the fate
Of the Progressive movement dcppndput
upon the personal fortunes Of Colonel
Roosevelt. The movement will then be
handicapped by all the difficulties at
tending the successful formation Of a
third party. I'm this state. for example.
it is thought to be impossible for third
party to make nominations And at
any rate, the history Of third parties
has not been reaSSuring.
In addition. ii will labor under the dis
advantage Of having to fly in the face
OF the sound American feeling against
having the Presidency occupied too long
by any one man. Moreover, it will be
dwarfed by the personality Of Colonel
Roosevelt. 1t may call itself the Pro-
"'''ive party but in the popular mind
III b" merely the Roosevelt party
as the Hearst party was always
me Hearst party regardless Of its off
cial name or principleS-called into being
because in no other way could Colonel
Roosevelt crafty his ambition TO be-
come again President of this country.
The moral issues which the PrOgressives
stand for will be lost sight of in the
personal issue which the Roosevelt indie
pendent candidacy will present.
Let us look at the reasons for a third
party movement calmly The truth is
that this movement is nine-tenths ROOse-
welt and Onc-tenth Progressive. Take
Roosevelt out Of the situation and would
there be any talk Of bolt? Those who
are considering the formation of "A new
party are banking almost entirely upon
the personal popularity Of the colonel.
But new parties, permanent new parties.
through which serious men NAV eXpect
to accomplish real results, are not built
upon so unsubstantial fabric as one
mans hold upon the people. Much is
heard now Of the formation Of the Re-
publican party as parallel But the
men who formed that marty we're NOT
gambling upon one mans popularity. Is
sues subordinated men in those DAYS. A
man oyershadOws the issues today.
There Is no real future for personal
party There is no real place for
movement whose impeling force is per-
sonal or desire for political revenge,
and so long as this country REALMS ifs