The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1912-10-18
PROGRESSIVE PARTY WILL
SWEEP THE COUNTRY
Roosevelt and Wilson Alone in the Run
ning-Taft Not in Sight .goi

There is not state IN the Union
where the political fight is an earnest
one from which within the last week
have not come reports Of progressive
gain, the gain in many cases being so
tremendous as to leave no doubt OF
the issue in November. In the states
of the North and West the advance is
particularly notable, Roosevelt gaining
steadily upon Wilson-Taft out Of it
all, as has been the case for some time.
The appearance Of Wilson in the
West and his proximity to Roosevelt,
has, of course, added to the spirit Of
the political situation and demonstrated
more markedly the real feeling of the
people toward each candidate. There
has been striking contrast in the de-
meanor Of the throngs receiving them
in the cities; in the case of Wilson it
was the mild attitude OF crowd at
tracted by curiosity as to the personal
appearance of man only lately thrust
into national prominence; with Roose-
welt it was the applause and approval
of big man by many men, one al
ready tested as brother fighting for
others in the world Of great affairs.
This difference between receptions so
close together as to allow a dramatic
effect, has been one of the impressive
developments Of the campaign, and
illustrates both the present popular
feeling, and what will be the popular
vote.
It has not been a good week for
governor Wilson, despite the large
audiences to which he has had the
privilege OF speaking. He has been
necessarily upon the defensive, and his
defense has continued to be quib-
bling one. Especially difficult has it
been for him to explain his attitude
toward labor and the host Of sturdy Euro
pean immigrants Of whom he has said:
The Chinese were more to be desired
as workers, if not as citizens, than most
of the coarse crew that come crowding
in every year at the eastern ports"
The later revelation, just appearing, Of
his feeling toward working men gener-
ally, in his his comment: I do not
believe in democracy, the rule Of the
many. I believe in aristocracy, the
rule of the few" and then, I am OPP
posed to higher education for the COM
mon people; somebody must do the
dirty work Of the world; why should
not the children Of the working class
be brought up to do the work their
parents are now doing2" are still more
paralyzing in their effect upon his
standing. What excuse has he1 What
defense has he for his attitude toward
the home-seekers who have left other
countries to become good Americans,
and toward those, native born or other
wise, who are so unfortunate as to be
living by the work Of their hands2
His audiences have not been satisfied.
Governor Wilson'S speeches have
been evasive, have been so recognized
by the people, and have left feeling
which will influence the voting in
November and which will not be in
his favor. Exactly the reverse of the
effect of the Wilson campaign have
been the recent appearance Of Colonel
Roosevelt in part OF the same territory.
Perhaps better illustration OF this can
not be offered than what followed his
appearance in Michigan, the state es-
teemed as doubtful early in the cam
paign. His advent lifted the crust
from the seething which has been 60
ing on. 1t revealed, now boiling, the
Progressiveism in both peninsulas, as
shown in the enthusiastic and ALMOST
turbulently welcome nature Of his re-
ception. 1t has been one of the
greatest demonstrations OF the cam
paign, and is fairly indicative Of the
intensifying earnestness OF the Pro-
gressive movement in states elsewhere.
The people know Roosevelt. They
have done business with him already
and the result has been satisfactory.
They know him to be the same man.
or better, because Of his experience.
1t is perhaps because Of this that they
are beginning to make a closer study