The Washington herald., 1912-01-28

/ Qent harr1SOn duInlllSlfdtiOu. n ldC-
ton in the organization sought earnest
Ily but unsuccessfully to defeat his re-
nomination The conditions then and
now. however, are not entirely parallel
There was no Roosevelt in 1892 upon
whom the opposition could unite.
Blaine was more or less popular Idol
but he had once suffered defeat, and,
besides, was dying. Mckinley, with
great political sagacity, declined to be
sacrificed upon the altar of a hopeless
cause. He foresaw, undoubtedly, the
possible defeat of his party under Har-
rison, but he also realized that defeat
was absolutely certain If the admins
tration were not sustained. He accept
led the verdict of the majority of the
delegates in convention assembled, and
bided his time, He was afterward
elected President of the United States.
The occupant of the White House
may, if he be so disposed, build up an
organization during his four years
term which will absolutely insure his
denomination. Even if he should not
work to this end, but rely entirely upon
his record to gain his party's indorse-
ment, it is ninety-nine chances to one
that he will be renon1inated. 1t is to
the credit of Mr. Taft that he has not,
through fragrant or selfish use of power,
sought TO perpetuate himself in Office.
Whatever else he may be, he is not a
scheming politician. 1t is because of
this fact that his friends are to-day
compelled to organize in his behalf.
They are manifesting the assertiveness
which he will not display. They know
that he has endeavored to administer
his Office with honesty, patriotism, and
ability. They feel that the few mis-
takes which he may have made, and
no man is infallible, are overshadowed
by an administration free from scandal
and marked by high regard for public
interest If, in the face of this, Mr.
Taft should prove the solitary excep-
ton to the general rule, it will be a
unique experience in American politics.
In the Democratic party the outcome
is by no means assured.
Inspired with the belief that a nomi-
nation is equivalent to an election,
owing to the serious divisions in their
opponents ranks, the various aspirants
for the Presidency are seeking earnest
ly to secure the nomination. 1t is the
first time in many years that the Demo-
cratic nomination has been really
sought
Woodrow Wilson, despite all that he
has said and done, and possibly because
of what he has said and done. would
seem 10 he occupying the foremost po-
sition. II the editorial expressions
throughout the country be accepted as
an evidence of public sentiment, he
has not suffered by his break with Mr..
Harvey. 1t is interesting, however, to
recall some salient facts in his political
career. More than two years ago he
was brought into prominence by Har-
per's Weekly With emphatic persist
ence, and at time when the advent of
a scholar into politics seemed the
height of absurdity. Wilson was
praised as a man of ability, patriotism,
and, above all, of sound and conserva-
tive views. He was pictured as the
sntithesis of Bryan and all the ideas
that Bryan and his following repre-
sent. Eventually, this Teiteration' of
Wilson's virtues made an impression
upon the country. He began to be
taken seriously. Then, as the first step
toward higher office, he was pushed
into the gubernatorial race in New
Jersey and was elected
Then came the change Woodrow |
Wilson to-day is not the Woodrow !
Wilson who was eulogized two years
ago He is now the advocate OF the |
and referendum and the re-
call; he has not hesitated to openly |
the financial interests which |
at first regarded him as safe and sane
Above all. he is now aligned with |
Bryan. whom he was once anxious to
knock into a cooked hat" He has
accepted all the progressive ideas, in
cluding direct elections, and spells
people" with capital P. In the
his candidacy has been ac-
by an organization which
could not have subsisted without
plentiful supply Of funds II had head
quarters in New York and deluged the
newspapers throughout the country
with bushels of editorial utterances, in
erviews. and reports of the formltion
If Wilson clubs. II conducted an ac-
i've propaganda. No one has yet ex-
blamed the source of the money which
was required to maintain this active
bureau.
1t is rather curious. however, that
iinee Gov Wilson decided that Mr..
daryey's support was more of a him
france than help, the daily budget of
Nilsonian literature has failed to ar
i've. The situation is not wholly with