The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-08-21
CURRENT COMMENT
A Contrast With a Moral.

Governor Wilson's speech to his New Jersey
neighbors saturday distinguished by can
dor that made every professional politician In
the crowd shudder and SILVER and excited the
admiration Of everyone who Ia not afraid of
the truth The governor took especial pains to
make It plain to the people OF the country, as
well as TO the people of New Jersey. that he is
still fighter who fights in the open; that he
does not propose to compromise with political
evil because of the presidential campaign: that
he VIII not permit his hands to be tied nor. his
voice to be silenced by any OF the ordinary con-
sderations of expedency political advantage.
His bold declaration of war against the old,
discredited New Jersey bosses and his frank re-
view OF the conditions which caused their over
throw In that State will appeal with telling force
ito independent and courageous thinkers all over
the country and will strengthen him with mill
lions Of Americans who believe in a man brave
enough to face facts and intelligent enough to
deal with them in the right way
Speaking of the many disheartening failures
Ito overthrow the old machine system In New
Jersey ard restore popular sovereignty Cover
nor Wilson pointed out that similar experiences
in other sections of the country were The force
that is underneath this new party, the so-called
Progressive party The people, he said, have
tired Of going up blind alleys; they want to find
open way out What he said this point
was in illustration Of the political causes which
have produced popular discomfort, and that his
words might not be interpreted an endorse
ment Of the necessity or justification Of the new
party, the governor added:
What has happened is this The independent
and progressive forces of the country have ut
terly failed to get control of the Republican
party. but have absolutely proved their ascen-
dency and their entire control within the Demo
cratic party, and the people have found that
they could make Of the Democratic party
as a proper medium of their purposes.
Governor Wilson's nomination by the national
convention conclusive proof that the Dem
ocratc party would not be ridden by bosses or
governed by machines 1t direct and
definite response TO popular discomfort with old
men and old methods. and il was response
that has satisfied and treasured the conscience
and the Intelligence of the country. With Will
sons nomination all Justification or excuse for
third party was removed.
1t is worth while noting that though the gov
ernor calls himself amateur. his frankeess
and courage in discussing every phase OF the
political situation is the most mastery kind OF
politics. Such sincerity inspires confidence
that nothing else inspire.
The Sea Grit speech is the best and most
effectual Of answers to Colonel Roosevelt. He
talks about ridden Democracy. and Its
nominee is found to be lighting the unrecon-
structed bosses In his camp, while Mr..
Roosevelt is pronouncing panegyrics on Finn.
Perkins and all the other members of the old
guard who have iocked to his standard. Roose
| Welt loudly demands reform in political methods
| and promises To regulate the trusts in the face
tangling alliances with political machines and
business combinations. MFR. Wilson, giving all
the credit to the people, points to the wonder
fuI changes that have been accomplished In
/ both directions in New Jersey.
! 1t is simply the old and simple test of know
ing tree by its fruits. one man is a fine prom
User. the other a real performer.-Ba Baltimore
| sun.