New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-25
PROVING TOO MUCH.

In defending Governor Wilson from
the charge Of lodging the single term
declaration Of the Democratic national
platform our neighbor THE sun
proves entirely too much. 1t quotes
on the one hand, two sentences from
n speech which the Democratic candi-
date made at Omaha as evidence that
he regards the promises Of the Baltl-
more platform as binding. According
10 our neighbor Mr.. Wilson said on
entering Mr.. Bryan's state: "lf the
Democratic party breaks its promises
$40 the rank and file Of the people OF
''the country hope It will not be
trusted again" He also said: par
"ties are meant to do the service
(which they pretend to do when they
put forward platforms; their plat
forms ought to be sacred engage
"ments."
It is doubtful, however, If the aver
age person would construe these two
characteristic generalities as indis-
/ putable declarations of loyalty to any
specific plank adopted at Baltimore
/ especially since Mr. Wilson, in his
/ speech accepting the Democratic nomi-
nation, laid down the principle that
1.-THE platform is not programme
and in his discussion Of current IS
sues has expressly avoided tying him
self up to a single definite Idea or
promise in the national platform. That
avoidance has been so pronounced as
TO create the impression that Govern
or Wilson means, if elected, to follow
his own programme, embarrassing
declarations in the national platform
to the contrary Notwithstanding.
We should be glad to believe with
'oThe sun that the Democratic nomi-
nee regards the single term promise
Of the platform as "a sacred engage
ment." But our neighbor spoils the
effect Of its demonstration, based on
the glittering generalities Of the Oma-
ha speech, by itself cOntepding that
Governor Wilson is right in refusing to
pledge himself not to seek renomi-
nation. 1t says that he would be
within his rights in holding that the
platform obligated him merely to urge
the adoption Of a constitutional amend
ment enforcing the single term rule,
while holding himself free to run again
If the amendment should not be
adopted before 1916. But what an
4 illogical and discreditable position
would a President be in who was fight
ing with all his might for the aboli-
ton Of second terms, yet willing TO
profit by a failure 10 secure that re-
form within a certain time limit!
The Democratic platform pledged the
nominee Of the convention to the
principle" Of a single term, as well
as to the programme of obtaining a
constitutional amendment as speedily
as possible. If the platform means
anything to the candidate he must feel
under obligation to announce himself
as opposed to a second term for him.
/ self under any circumstances. Mr..
[ Bryan is right in suggesting that Gov
ernor Wilson ought not to dodge this
issue. "The Sun" only confirms the
expedlency Of his course when, speak
ing in defence Of the Governors mac
ton, II says: IAN attempt on the part
( "of Mr.. Bryan to put Governor Wilson
"in a cramped position on the single
term question smells decidedly of
malice" No candidate of open mind
and straightforward intentions ought
J to feel "cramped" by a demand that
he announce himself in favor Of living
up to "a sacred engagement"