Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1912-08-30
Collapse of LaFollette.

Few men who have risen high in
the estimation of considerable
number of the American people have
fallen so far and so rapidly as has
Robert M. LaFollette.
} For years he led vigorous fight in
his own state and then In the U. s..
senate for needed reforms. He won
the admiration of many for his
steadfastness and fighting propensi-
ties, who doubted his Judgment in
many acts. Because of this they
rallied to his support when he became
candidate for the republican presi-
Dental nomination, with no hope of
nominating him, but as means of
protest.
After LaFollettes mental and
physical collapse, which was made so
lamentably manifest at Philadelphia.
it became evident that his candidacy
was fat failure. Then the leaders
turned to Roosevelt and by hard effort
| induced him to become a cand ldate
as offering the only hope of success
full fight against the old organization
and the special interests. The rest is
well-known history. But what of
LaFollette?
Instead of falling In line with
practically the entire leadership Of
the progressive cause in supporting
Roosevelt, he continued his candi-
dacy, which terminated in great
fzzle. At the Chicago convention he
threw his influence with the Taft
forces to prevent the progressives
from organizing the convention and
seating the properly elected delegates.
After the convention he announced
that he, 1.-THE original insurgent"
would now "stay regular" and sup
port Taft. And since then he has
turned his heaviest artillery on Roose-
velt and the progressive movement,
In public speech and in every
issue Of his magazine.
La Toilette Is now one of Taft's
ablest lieutenants. That his assist
ance is appreciated is evidenced by
the consideration now shown him by
the special interests in control OF the
senate. Ever since he became a
mber of that body he has tried to
get on the committee on Interstate
commerce, but without success. But
he was recently made member Of
that committee, and shown other
consideration by the powers yet in
control of the senate.
| 1t is we'll known that LaFolIette' s
mental condition was seriously i'm
paired by over-work last fall and
winter, terminating in the pitiful
collapse and exhibition at the meet
ing of new paper publishers at Phil
adelphia last February. The most
charitable Interpretation which can
i be placed on his course since that
time is that his condition has re-
manned such that his Judgment has
been so seriously impaired as to cause
him to take the foolish course he has
taken.
The conviction has been forced up
on many who were formerly warm
admirers of LaFollette, that he has
been tried and found wanting. He
considers himself bigger than the pro-
gressive cause. He has reached his
heighth and the fall has begun.
Should he persist in the course he
will in few years pass off the stage,
a adisappointed and discredited man, as
many others have done who overesti-
mated themselves and erred in judg-
ment. 1t is sad to contemplate when
the possibilities otherwise are con-
sidered Had LaFollette cooperated
with the other progressive leaders in
supporting Roosevelt this year, he
would have stood In the front rank of
the line of leadership in 1916, regard
less of the outcome this year. But by
becoming an ally of Taft, and staying
with the discredited party, he will
share in the ignominious defeat
which will come to the candidate and
to the party.
And what of Roosevelt? He has
wisely refrained from any comment
OLl Vi lCJOluuOl w OllC oCoASNo VhiShA
La Toilette has been making upon
him. Whether it be pity for his
condition, or consideration for his
past services, or hope that he will
ultimately right himself, or the re
gard which the moon has for bayine
dog, that causes Roosevelt to ignore
i La FolletJe's attacks, his course Is
admirable and to be recommended by
all progressives. He has trained his
guns forward against the well detin
ed enemy and not backward against
those in the progressive ranks who
are giving aid to the foe. In time
such will be classed as traitors ant
due punishment meted out to Them
l-Deadwood Daily Telegram.