The Washington times., 1913-03-12
EDITORIAL

commanding figures of their party. We have
one man beside whom the best of theirs make
an Indifferent showing. But apart from this
great figure, the Progressives have much fewer
men of national stature. Naturally, Ills would
be true with young party, and time will over
come it, but, all the same, in measuring the
relative assets of parties their relative strength
men as well as means, and organization and
newspapers must be taken into account as of
today.
1t is popular idea with all parties, and
with the public generally-and | think this idea
! is particularly in vogue with many of the Pro.
| greSSives-that all the money necessary for
political purposes should be and can be raised
in small amounts from the populace. This is
| a mistake. II cannot be done. All attempts
| to raise money in any considerable amounts
in this way by any party have been flat failures,
and there is no evidence to sustain the belief
that the situation in this respect is going to get
any better.
Everything considered - rents. postage,
! salaries, and all expenses of conducting an Or
ganized campaign to collect funds-it costs :;
dollar and quarter, often good deal more,
to get in dollar as popular subscription
from the populace.
From Indspendent viewpont
Though Progressive myself, and one who
had much to do with the formation and de-
velopment of the party, | am discussing the
situation and the question of amalgamation
from strictly independent position This does
not mean that my interest in or attitude toward
the Progressive party has changed in the least.
am, however, keenly interested in the plan of
bigger party that could be of greater use in
the nation.
From my point of view, the independent
point of view, see the strength of the Pro
gressiye party and the strength of the Repub-
can party, the strength of each in its respee-
tive position, and see, as WE'LL the weakness
of each. And each is weak, separated from
the other. Make no mistake about this Mr..
Republican,; make no mistake about this Mr.,
Progressive.
Of course, in the outset, did not have an
idea that either party would frantically clutch
at my proposal for amalgamation. realized
then, as realize now, that matter of this kind
takes time and thought, for considering, weigh
ing, and measuring calmly and well. That this
consideration is going on, is certain. The chief
purpose of this particular article, "Amalgama-
ton No. g." is to be of service in the process,
Of weighing and measuring the problem What
will, am convinced, stand the test of the meas.
uring-stick.
Just how amalgamation can be brough,
about is not altogether clear, but if the rank
and file of the Republican voters in large meas
ure would, in perfect good faith, assure til;
country of their willingness to enter upon some
such plan as my arnalgamation proposal am
satisfied that the attitude of the Progressive
voters would be good deal more favorable to
the plan than it is today.
Real Action Necessary.
am not speaking for the Progressives, or
for any one of them. base the assumption on
what know of human nature and on the COM
mon sense and patriotism entering into the
proposition.
To get down to actualities, suppose forty
per cent or more of the Republican voters Of
the country were to pledge themselves in
signed agreement to send delegates to national
conference, with view to getting together on
principles and to forming new party, some
thing would be doing, real action begun Poll.
ticians may say that this is not practical and the
do-nothings generally may oppose it. But it
is clear that such move, carried out in good
faith would pull off victory.
Forty per cent of the Republicans, pledged to
such conference with a like percentage of the
Progressives-and my guess is that the latter
would be found would be enough to form the
new party, and once formed, it is a certainty the
other fellows lowering around on the outskirts
would hustle to get in out of the wet