New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-21
THE COMPLETED JURY.

The last day Of registration brought
the total number Of qualified voters in
this city well up to the normal. More
than 100000 names are on the list in
the five boroughs, an increase Of more
than 25.OOO from the registration for
the last Presidential election and OF
more than 10000 from that for the
election of 1910, when the opposition
to Mr.. Roosevelt kept thousands Of Re
publicans from the polls. This in
crease Is Just about in proportion to
the growth Of the voting population.
1t does not show any such intense ex-
element as that Of 1896, which caused
almost every voter to register. 1t does,
however, show that there is none OF
the apathy which the first two days Of
registration seemed TO indicate, but
that, on the contrary. the electorate is
thoroughly awake and interested-not
aroused to extraordinary activity, as 1t
would be II the emotional appeals Of
fbe Procressiyes had accomplished
what their campaigners hoped, but So
berly and thoughtfully determined to
register its opinion on the issues Of the
campaign.
This is fortunate, for there are great
issues. and, however they shall be de-
terrnined, it is important to have them
settled not by default on the one hand
or by passion on the other, but by the
EXPRESSION Of the calm sense Of the
reasoning part Of the community. The
vital question before the people was
well formulated by Senator Root in his
letter TO the Union League Club:
Since the club was organized to aid
In preserving the Union under the Con-
gtitution there has been no other time
Ike this when the principles we pro-
fess so imperatively demand vigorous
and united action, for our whole sys-
tenn OF constitutional freedom and order
IS attacked. It's basis in the respect
and willing allegiance of the people is
being weakened, and II will go down
unless Il is actively supported by those
who believe IN government under the
restraint of declared principles as op-
posed 10 the sway Of impulse, the rule
OF law rather than the rule Of man.
The Republican party under the lead
ership Of Mr.. Taft stands for the pro-
gressive and intelligent treatment Of
all our public problems along the lines
and within the limitations marked out
bv our Fundamental theories and ira
ditions Of representative government
The Progressive party has made itself
the exponent Of radical and emotional
refOrlners who have shown themselves
increasingly impatient OF consitu-
tional restraints and anxious to reach
momentarily desired ends at the cost
of breaking down the safeguards OF
personal liberty against the tyranny OF
popular enthusiasms or animOsities. II
asks the people to put aside their in
bred objection 10 placing any man IN
the Presidency for third term ald TO
adopt the revolutionary scheme for re-
placing government under fixed prin-
ciples of law by the rule OF temporary
matorities-whicb may be minoritles
of the electorate-in particular cases
through the recall of judicial decisions.
These are vital changes in the spirit OF
our institutions. Some men may think
# is time for them, that the old civic
virtues are outgrOwn and the old safe
guards Of ordered liberty dear TO the
fathers are no longer necessary. But
whether right or wrong they go to the
heart Of things, and all citizens should
face them seriously and decide upon
than undistracted by personal en-