The Washington herald., 1912-05-13

stay, and that all arbitrary action Of the
convention and the caucus has passed
into oblivion. Representative government
win not suffer under primary election
systems. The people are being educated
much quicker than we realize. and they
know exactly how TO vote in almost
every community without being diS-
ciplined and driven TO the polls like cat
tie to the shambles."
Senator Clarke Of Arkansas declared
that In his opinion the Democratic party
should take advantage Of whatever blum
ders the Republicans may make IN the
choice OF a candidate and the drafting Of
a platform at their national convention.
The two-third rule. which will apply
to the Democratic convention, makes the
nomination Of a candidate uncertain" /"
said Senator CLARKE Il believe the
Democrats should be in a position to
take advantage of every error Of COM
mission or omission. that the Republicans
may make at their convention. a11 until
the Republican convention shall have
been held II viii be impossible for the
Democrats to be fully informed as to
these matters"
situation Il Chaotic.
Senator Lee s. overman Of North Caro-
lima does. not believe it possible At this
time for any person to predict with any
degree OF certainty. who Will be the
Democratic nominee at Baltimore.
The North Carolinian is of the opinion
that the Democrats should make the
tarfff the paramount issue and press the
tight along this line. He thinks. also,
that the platform should be reasonably
progressive, but does not believe II should
commit the party to the referendum
the initiative or the recall.
Senator Henry L. Meyers Of Montana
is enthusiastic over the Democratic out
look both in his own State and IN the
country at large He is. however much
IN doubt as to who win be nominated
at Baltimore. though he has no hesitancy
in expressing himself for Gov. Wilson
Of New Jersey.
sTbe political situation as a whole Ii
pleasing TO me-" said Senator Meyers.
II am pleased at the progresE OF the
row in the Republican party and de-
lighted with the harmony that prevails
among the Democrats
'T believe the Baltimore convention
should adopt a progressive platform
but am pot now prepared TO discuss
its details. The tarif should, Of course.
receive attention in the platform, and
the record made by the Democratic
House should be indorsed."
That the present Democratic situa-
ton is confusing and not likely 10
crystaIliIe before the assembling OF the
baltimore convention Is the belief OF
senator Charles F. Johnson OF Main.
who will appear at Baltimore as q del
egate-at-large from his State.
should Not Lose Trick.
''rhe Maine delegation will go unin-
structed," said Senator Johnson. Il am
glad Of it. As a delegate have no de-
cIded opinion at this time as to whom
I shall vote for at Baltimore. All of
the candidates are good men, but we
must not bIunder in making a selec-
ton. The Democrats can and should
win this time, but we must not lose
a trick, and should be In a position AZ
Baltimore to take advantage OF any
mistakes made by the Republicans At
Chicago. / believe that whoever may
be nominated will poll the entire Dem
ocratic strength"
The Democratic platform should rep
resent the spirit OF the people and the
times, but / do not think II should men
tion the initiative, the referendum, or
the recall These questions are for the
States and in my Judgment have no
place in a national campaign
Senator MARITIME OF New Jersey has
no doubt about who the Democrats
should nominate for President, but he
has some doubts as to who VIII De
named. The two-thirds, however In
jects an element OF doubt, he thinks,
but adds that IL Will operate Just as
strongly against others as Il will against
Gov, Wilson. He believes that the plat
form should contain a provision for the
initiative, the referendum, and the re-
call. and commit the party 20 govern
ment ownership Of railroads, express,
and telegraph companies-