The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1913-02-21
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 81, 1913.
AN EXTRA

There ls no reason why an eStraor-
binary state of affairs in a political
party should not call for an cNtraor-
binary session Of the central organi-
cation Of that party than there is why
an emergency in national affairs
should not be met by an extra session
Of congress. There are extra sessions
Of congress very frequently. They
are called for special purposes, such
as the need for early action on an I'M
portant subject like the tariff. to con-
slider such a measure at the reciproc-
ity bill taken up about the middle Of
the present administration. or to adj
just pressing currency matters. as was
done at an extra session during Cleve-
lands time.
There are reports IN Washington Of
a republican national convention to be
held perhaps next fall to consider the
state Of the party and what is to pc
done about it. There is no reason why
such a gathering should not do a great
deal Of good. 1t nay do harm. Ev-
erything depends IN the spirit in
which the gathering is called. the
n in which those who attend are
chosen. and the manner in which the
proceedings are conducted.
1t might as well be understood, and
We believe that outside Of a certain
political circle it is understood, that
If there is any thought that a national
convention of the republican party
held this year or any other year for
the purpose of strengthening the fall
ing grip on the party of some of the
men who have been prominent in its
councils. and who have been the
means of causing it to lose the con-
fidence which the public once reposed
in il. all thought of such a nven
ton might as we'll be abandoned. But
there is no need for such a result. and
the fact that Senator Cummins is one
OF the leaders in the movement now
under Way for an early national re-
publican gathering is evidence that
the plan is not to attempt the deliv-
cry of the party bound hand and foot
to its real enemies within its own
ranks. but SO to shape things that it
ma once again be what it should be
and can be, a party of the people and
for the people.
There is no basis for the assertion
that the republican party is dead or
dying. There appears to be not the
slightest justification for the belief en-
tertained by some that the progress
sive party will. in the next campaign,
either be the predominant party. or
o~vershadow the republican party in
the support that ii receives from the
general public. Had it not been for
the tremendous personality of one
man there would have been no new
party formed. n the vote that the
party received in the national cleo
ton was a result of the influence OF
that personality, and not a demon
stration that the republican party was
being permanently abandoned.
There is need. however. for the plac.
ing of the republican party on a bet.
ter footing. While it was not killed
off last fall. it is no immortal. and
n it must take steps to perpetuate
itself il 1t would live and prosper. Thu
best assurance that there can be o,
the continued usefulness Of the part,
is not to be found in any sort of or.
ganizatton. or in any set of DECLARE.
tions. 1t is to be found in the atti.
tude Of the members of the part,
thrOuRhout the conntr, .oa ~.
men whom they send to represen'
them in legislative bodies. on the i'm
portant questions of the hour. If tina
attitude is right. and in accord witt
what are the real interests of tn,
country, a getting together for TIL,
purpose Of reorganization will be /:
highly useful thing. Without the prev
alence Of that spirit no organizatio,
Will be Of the slightest use.