The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1912-03-27
Harmon for President.

One Of the best evidences that Governor
Harmon is the prominent figure In Demo-
cratic ranks, as q presidential candidate, is
the fact that designing persons are trying
to weaken him by circulating false reports
about him. It is charged by some that he
did not support Bryan, and by others
that he Is allied with Wall Street interests.
II our memory serves us right we are
under the impression that we have seen Q
letter from Governor Harmon In which he
stated that he had always supported the
Democratic nominee OF words to that ef-
feet. That he may not always have given
Mr.. Bryan his hearty support is just pos
sible. Mr.. Bryan, is at least retallating IN
kind, which would indicate that he has
that impression.
With a regard for Mr.. Bryan's personal
qualities that gives him no small place In
this editors estimation, we must confess
that In the matter Of bringing success TO
the Democratic banner he Is an utter fall
ure. His influence has dominated the par
ty for so long that 1t will necessarily be OF
consequence in naming the Democratic
standard bearer, but it surely has dawned
on the people that his judgment, tn this
respect, Is not to be trusted.
Mr.. Bryan's conduct Of late years. like
that Of Roosevelt, has smacked too much
Of the dictator. Congressman Dies said
'he neither feared his power nor respected
his Judgment" His Judgment Is unques-
tlonably faulty, but unlike the Congress
man we do fear his power. We would re-
spect the man more II be had more respect
for the opinions Of his political ~associatea
II Governor Harmon is nominated, can
Mr. Bryan put Nebraska In the Democra'
tic column Would he do 1t II he could?
It Is practically certain that he would not;
then he Is ~chargable with the same ofense
that he holds against Governor Harmon.
That Governor Harmon Is allied with
| Wall Street interests Is utterly absurd.
He has done more to regulate corporate
interests than all the candidates for the
presidency combined. Through his infu-
ence the assessment on steam RAILROADS In
Ohio was raised from s1s7, DOC. 900 to prae-
tically $500, OOO. 600, and this Is only one In
stance Of his many reforms.
There are In Ohio four general divisions
Of votes, viz: Stand pat republicans, pro-
gressive republicans. old line democrats
Of the Baily type and progressive demo-
crates. The progressive wings Of both
| parties are In fact nearer in accord on
trust regulation, the tariff and kindred
subjects than are the factions Of either
party. Now the democratic candidate
who is 80 situated as to carry the largest
per cent. Of this progressive wing OF the
republican party is unquestionably the
strongest candidate from the democratic
standpoint. One thing is certain, no dem
ocrat can be elected ipresident who can
not carry q large per cent. OF the progress
sive republican vote. In o normally re-
publican State that gave Roosevelt over
LOG, 600 majority; Harmon was first elect
ed by 10000 majority. and In his second
race by 100000 majority. His increased
majority was the result OF his able, fear:
less and statesmnn-like administration. 4
man who has the endorsement OF hls
neighbors, who know him best. should be
vol armed against the designs OF polltl-
clans.
For local reasons Underwood or Wilson
Is the natural choice of the southern peo-
pie. and there is nothing that a DO .said
against either of these gentlemen. except
that neither Of them, II nominated would
stand a ghost Of a chance OF election.
II we had any evidence going to show
that Hon. Oscar W. Underwood could get
a feeling In the north we would favor him
against the field. He Is unquestionably
presidential timber of the highest type,
but can he or any southern man get q sub.
stantial vote In the northern or middle
western states?
The democratic party has Its first chance
In twenty years to elect a president and II
1t will throw away this chance on q senti-
ment, however generally cherished, 1t de-
serves defeat.
Appointment republican Of this State,
who Ia In close touch with the President
and who Is not given to misleading state
ments said In private conversation re-
Gently: Harmon Is the man the republi-
cans fear" And 80 1t Is. They see the
strength Of his position perhaps better
than we ourselves see It.