Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-02-13

arc doing the wrong thing at the right
time. With unfailing accuracy they
have selected as their policy that
which is least defenceahle under exist
ing circumstances.
Il have said this much to show that
the Republican party since its begin
ming, more than so years ago, has al
WAYS been a progressive party and it
has always recognized its responsible
ity by action. 1t has never hesitated
to assume the burden of new legisla-
ton TO accomplish good results, and it
has never allowed its respect for the
constitutional principles upon which
this government is founded to inter
fere with remedial action and progress
sive legislation within the limitation
of those constitutional principles to
make the government more useful to
the people.
IF we have a record in the last 10
wears and especially in the last three
years, of responding to popular needs
by legislation specifically adapted to
afford the proper remedies. why should
we not be sure of winning a vote of
confidence from the people.
at is true we were beaten in 1910. but
that was by detection of Republicans
through what l must think was a misun-
Outstanding, but not by change from
Republicans to the Democratic party.
Their detection reduced the vote of the
Republicans, but did not increase the
vote of the Democrats.
I'VE know what we propose to do. we
offer a definite program; show definite
results and we believe that these re-
suits are what the people wish We do
not hesitate to ask for their support.
The arguments of most Democrats in ia
vor of return to their party have
general likeness. We have first a denun-
citation of general conditions said to be
due to the Republican party, which eV-
cry man would deprecate; then the state
ment of general good results that mus.
be accomplished by following the prin-
ciples of the Democratic party without
specification as to what they are, and
finally a pressure for an invitation to
that party to assume power. There is
nothing definite in what is said; nothing
definite promised: only general denuncia-
ton and promises.
"They speak of spirit of unrest ev
erywhere. They don't describe what
do they don't tell how it is to be rem
edied or what legislation will accom-
plish it. 1t is because of my confidence
that the Republican party can point to
definite deeds already accomplished, to
laws already on the statute books and
being enforced and carried to a useful
purpose, and to proposed statutes with
a clear description of the terms and eff
feet of such statutes, that / confidently
rely upon an ultimate verdict by the peo-
pie in favor of the old Republican party,
the party of Lincoln and Grant, the most
progressive party of the history of this
country or any other country, the party
of achievement and not of broken prom
ises, the party of liberal effective gov
eminent in which far-sighted economy
is the watehword, without that spasmod-
ie righteousness which ignores great ma
tional needs on the score of political
emergency, the party that stands by the
fundamental principles of well-ordered
government, preserving the rights and
equality of opportunity that is Individual
and not interfering with the steady prac-
teal progress that is possible"