Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1912-10-15

llNuBb, pTOpOblnb III uHS ulON w put
the Progressive party into power,
Roosevelt, himself, was compelled,
under the circumstances, to identify
himself with some new political ap-
relation. II elected, Roosevelt would
doubtless tell us that inasmuch as we
only wanted him and not his party
that he was ready to drop 1t and get
back into the Republican party, where
he could Just as well carry out his
progressive principles for the benefit
Of the people. The Progressive con-
ventions throughout the country may
be termed a flash in the pan. The
radicals want new party, but the
conservatives want Roosevelt OF
course, we political prophets may be
gloriously fooled over this new party,
but If you will hold your hand on the
public pulse for a moment, you will
note a certain apathy which indicates
that the people are tired of all this po-
litical racket.
That the Salem convention nominat-
ed strangers or failed to support good
men already in office, is neither here
nor there. The public at large is not
concerned in its actions. In the state
Of Washington the Progressiyes noml-
mated bunch of candidates that stand
as much show of being elected as a
scared cat with tallow legs getting
through hades.
The great fight SINNERS down to the
one question as to whether or not the
Taft and Wilson press can break the
confidence the people have in Roose-
velt If they can do 1t by election
time, Roosevelt is beaten. If the press
fails, in the face of its strenuous ef-
forts, either the people will not be
turned from their idol, or else the
press has lost its power. The press is
OVERRIDING 1t. Roosevelt will be the
under-dog and get the usual sympathy
in the shape of votes. Taft papers are
full of abuse and scandal about Roose-
welt. Nothing is said about Taft's cam
paign expenses. Where Wilson and
LaFollette get their financial support
is of no concern, either. The fire is
concentrated upon Roosevelt. 1t
should be a source of pride TO Teddy
to be singled out as he Is, showing
how much we fear his popularity.
Taft supporters should spend more
time showing voters the merits Of
their candidate instead of spending so
much time hammering his popular OPP
ponent. The Taft state committee so
far has failed to enlighten tho voters
of Oregon as TO why they should vote
for Taft, but has run several columns
condemning Roosevelt with bold as
sumption and grinning rldicule.
Whether you can build Taft up by
tearing Roosevelt down is an open
question which will be settled next
November. Better campaign material
can be found in good, moderately tenn
pered articles covering sound reasons
why Taft should be elected The usual
harp is we mustn't have King Teddy
and don't want Wilson. Hence, vote
for Taft
Perhaps after all, the hackers Of
Taft are wise in avoiding his record
Taft's tariff disappointment and his
faulty cabinet are better let alone by
his friends, especially those who are
in line for better things in the event
of his reelection Tafts aideshow
with Attorney-General Wickersham,
Ballinger, Golfers Weekly, etc., was
we'll attended by American voters. We
all got our moneys worth. Taft has
"over-restored' confidence, the people
think.
This three -cornered fight Is perplex-
ing to voters who vote without hope Of
reward. It is a national fight Of con-
servatlves against radical Progress.
sives, with the complaisant paciflca.
tor, the Democratic party, smiling on
meanwhile much like Mephistophelei
when curling his mustache. The
Democrats have the people "up agains
IT," To radicals who don't want Roose