Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-06-25
THE DEMOCRATIC OPPORTUNITY

In its national convention at Baltimore this
week. the Democratic party viii face an oppor
tunity and duty such as it has not known in genera
tiOns. if indeed. in its entire history.
1t can virtually name the next president of the
United States.
It can launch a power that viii bring to pass
those things for which millions of good Americans
In both parties have long wished and hoped.
There should be no difhculty in determining its
platform. for its broad principles already written
deep in the minds Of the people
Nor should it be difhcult to choose a leader for
the unmistakabe logic of events has already pointed
him out
No matter what may be the outcome of the Re
publican fracas at Chicago. no matter who the nOm
nee OF that dishevelIed body may be, he cannot be
elected. il Democracy offers the people candidate
whose record and ability commend him to voters of
patriotic and independent mind.
The Republican party has heretofore been distin-
gushed by its capacity for harmonizing internal diff
ferenees by its readiness to lay aside individual
enmities and at the vital moment, to pull unitedy
for party Today it is distinguished by its
hopeless lack Of this very quality So bitter has be
the hatred Of its factions and obstinate
have both flung principles to the gale and plunged
themselves into the muck and scufie Of the lowest
politics the country witnessed. The contest be
tween the old bosses on the side and Theodore
Roosevelt the other has been truly described as
battle between theft and bribery"
The result of this situation is twOfold the Repub
lican organization is irrevocabIy split and both fac
lions stand shamed and discredted before the people
IT is doubtful moreover. if any group Of Aneri-
can citizens is thoroughly disguised with the
Chicago proceedings than the rank and file of men
who have been accustomed to vote the Republican
ticket.
II Mr.. Taft is the nominee. he will be knitted at
the polls by the Roosevelt followers.
II by any chance. Mr. Roosevelt should be the
nominee. he win be fought to the hiIt by the Taft
supporters
II neither of these but compromise candidate is
chosen his viii be hopeless from apathy as
that Of either OF the others win be from anagonism.
II. as final contingency, Roosevelt should bolt his
party and make the race as an independent, his
chances would be foredOomed. certainly they would
Be If the Democrats nominate for whom the
independents vote.
Thus It is evident that on the strategic side, the
present situation is peculiarly favorable to Democ-
only on the weakness Of its opponent 1t depend
mainly on its own positive resources. its in
herent strength. II it is TO grasp the opportunity
now within its reach. it must put forward its
leader the strongest statesman at its command.
He must be man who is strong not in one sec
ton alone but throughout the country and especially
In the great debatabe states of the east and the mid
ole west
II. ,,rs+ have q racor5 that. Droves his ability
He must be above the faintest suspicion of al
lianees with special interests.
He must be Enthusiastically progressive and at the
same time Enthusiastically committed constitutional
policies
He must be man who carry not only the full
voting strength Of his party but also the votes
of that great body Of Americans who are weary Of
the Republican regime and who will welcome
chance express their ideals through their ballot
woodrow Wilson so clearly embodies all these
qualifications that it seems scarcely necessary to
mention his name when they have been enumerated.
What other Democratic candidate for the nomina
ton has such a national following as he?
what other has such luminous record or such
conspicuous ability
What other is freer or as free from the sus-
picion of questionable alliances?
What other is at once so progressive and so well
pOised2
If the Democrats to make the most of their
inviting opportunity. if they do their highest duty
they will make Woodrow Wilson the standard bearer
Of their rejuvenated party and follow him victory
IN the national campaign.
There viii be big crop of peaches. and enough
eD~ra for canned goods All next winter