The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1912-02-29

cised by those who, like the proven
bial Irishman, are in favor OF the
law but ag'in' its enforcement This
subterfuge ought not long deceive the
people, for they believe in the ma
Jesty of the law and in making 1t
honorable. The Republican party
should face this issue and hesitate
long time before repudiating a presi-
dent who is doing just what the pro-
gressive citizenship of the country
has been urging for more than 10
years. The Republican party cannot
afford to nominate Mr.. Taft or any
other man for the presidency while
compromising on the enforcement OF
law. | could wish there were no such
man in the party, and | feel sure,
on sober second thought, the rank
and file of the party will want to
know why they are called upon to re-
ject can who is standing four
square on what has been generally
believed to be one of the greatest is
sues before our generation.
Another fact will appeal to the
rank and file of the party as well as
10 all patriotic citizens. Mr.. Taft is
a living embodiment of integrity in
public office. No suggestion to the
contrary has ever been made. We
may have disagreed 9th his judS-
ment or with his policies, but no Sug-
gestion has ever been made as to a
lack Of honor or integrity in the ad-
ministration of his Office. This is a
larger issue than any policy before
the country, or likely to be before it.
Indeed, the country has suffered less
from mistakes of judgment or mis-.
takes In legislation than from cor
ruption in office and corrupt legisla.
ton. No issue is of more general in
terest in American politics today than
that of integrity in public officials
in the present diturbed state OF the
public mind with the recognized ac-
tivity of special interests in opposi.
ton to the administration, it would
seem wise for the plain citizen to
fesitate before committing his party
to a policy Of retreat before an ad-
ministration characterized by hon
esty and unquestioned integrity.
An Able Public Policy.
There are other matters of public
policy not to be overlooked in which
Mr.. Taft has shown himself worthy
Of confidence and support. ConserVa-
ton is a word to conjure with. 1t has
popular approval. Something has
been accomplished. This is one O.
the interests vital to the future Ga
the country. Despite all the criticism
Mr.. Taft has proceeded steadily with
out further legislation, and. as the
report of Secretary Fisher shows, has
prepared the way for a speedy and
satisfactory solution of the Alaskan
problem His interest in the con-
servation problems of the states has
not abated, while his actual accom-
plishments have not been the subject
cf adverse criticism.
at is worth while to call attention
to the effect Of denying to Mr.. Taft
4 denomination Which of his policies
shall the country reject? Shall it be
lis enforcement of the law or his
peace policy or his proposal to re.
wise the tariff on the basis of facts
No self-respecting candidate will go
before the country on a platform of
non-enforcement of law. He will be
a bold man who will promise rSOre,
for no other president has a better
record in this respect. 1t will be
vain to ask the votes of the people
for any candidate opposed to the
principles of arbitration, or to ask
them to repose confidence in presi,
dent while denying it to the accredit-
| ed representatives in council of ar
| itration. Any candidate who ignores
| the expert services of a tariff board
i'll it's findings of facts, or who pro
| poses to make the tariff an issue for
| political purposes, will embarrass his
party and make a vain appeal The
more the situation is examined the
stronger is the appeal, not only fol
| tie denomination and reelection OI
Mr.. Taft, but for the election of &
congress that will keep pace with his
| progress"