Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-07-20

demonstrated matchless power of cleo
tive appeal to the masses generally,
and 10 active. enthusiastic. younger
men in particular. This means that
his canvass viii be surcharged with the
same electrical persuasive energy
which achieved his nomination.
Such are some of the weighty intiu-
ences whose tacit recognition has al
ready induced a common belief that
Mr.. Wilson's election is a. virtual GER
tainty Il IS our own prudent judg-
ment uninfiuenced b. the billowy en-
thusiasm OF the moment, that he Will
win. And yet the pr sibiliues ever
attendant upon the pc ,ormance OF
great political drama are not 10 be
ignored with impun!ty Many demo-
crat has been elected in July. only
10 be buried under an avalanche Of
votes in November. Mr.. Tafts pros
poets are now at their lowest ebb.
First driven by treachery and shameful
abuse TO the extreme of undignified
personal defense, then fought with IN
exampled bitterness in his contest for
a deserved denomination, and now con-
fronting not only an open detachment
from his own ranks. but also most re-
sourceful and daring democratic Oppo-
nent. his record of accomplishments
upon which he must ultimately rely Is
for the moment ec!ipsed. But the fact
that few presidents have rendered more
valuable service under trying Condi-
tons remains. Mr.. Tafts fidelity, his
conscientious endeavoTs. his single,
ness of unselfsh purpose. his purity
.. intent his notable achievements
are forgotten only for the time. They
will be recalled with gratitude and EN-
rLasizsd with effect
Tn value Of experience TO the mind
Of the country also is 10 be reckoned
with. Since 1854 no man who had not
rendered service in the federal govern
ment has been elected president. May
il not be possible that in the final judg
mCnt the advantage necessarily de
rived from actual practice will be &C
corded serious consideration? How
thoroughly the people are convinced
of the practical efficiency of President
Taft's policies and methods with re
spect TO our present problems is un
doubleday a question, but such as they
are they at least stand revealed by
application. and are no longer subject!
) of speculation or foolish fears. Tht
temper Of the people, we take it, II
now strong for change, even though i
be experimental. but craving for novel
. ty often subsidies under the proverbia
sober second thought.
> AS a matter of history. moreover
. nobody since Jackson has been elected
' president who did not hold the conf
o. dence of that great and powerful groul
commonly referred TO as the bushes
men of the country. II there is an,
serious menace to the present glow
ing prospects Of Governor Wilson. w
should say that II lies in Apprehension
of official acts. springing from praise
, worthy aspiration, which might ten,
, to retard restoral of general prosper
, ity. That Mr.. Wilson will avail him
self of the first opportunity to max
evident that there is no real caus
, for such solicitude may. however, il
: our judgment, be assumed with conf
dence
: Finally. the republican party is no
= dead. Though seemingly sleeping 70
p. the moment, it will soon be as wd
Z awake and determined 10 win as eve
{ before in its successful career. An
il is still the strongest. most compac
S best equipped. and most skilfully