New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-23
FACE FRONT; FORWARD MARCH
That Should Be the Order for the
Republican Party.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir The zeal OF The Tribune In de-
handing not only early but progressive
action by Republican party leaders is very
gratifying Your view OF the problems be-
fore the party is correct Il is imperative
that the basis Of representation IN the
national convention be changed 10 con-
form 10 the demands made in this respect
by the action OF large mass OF Republi-
can voters whose protest was voiced In
their action in refusing TO support the
last national party candidate for Presi-
dent Judge Taft
II is simply childish 70 deny that Judge
Taft was the regularly chosen candidate OF
Republican constituencies from Republi-
can districts and states. Ignoring all per-
, sonalities in the case. Il is a fact that
Colonel Roosevelt had behind him the
sentiments OF a large majority OF Repub-
leans who had been given any oppor-
tunity 10 express their preference at all
through preferential primaries. II mat
ters not what policies Judge Taft repre-
sented or what policies Colonel Roosevelt
represented II cannot be successfully de-
nied that Judge Tafts candidacy repre-
sented politicians and not voters In the
convention that nominated him. was
then for Judge Taft on general principles
and cordially supported him. as / have
every Republican candidate for forty-flve
years. so / cannot be charged as a Roose-
welt grumbler. I thought then II was a
mistake not to set the party face along
so-called progressive lines. To my mind
II was apparent that the convention could
not afford 10 ignore too many OF the new
political issues and new systems in gov
eminent which were more In harmony
with the new spirit that had come into
the field
There were many like myself who did
not feel warranted In leaving the party
even in such an emergency. Judge Taft
was tho party candidate and so was en-
titled to my support and vote. The tactics
resorted to by Colonel Roosevelt TO capt
ure that convention and nomination did
not win MY admiration or approval, and
surely his subsequent course did not. His
course turned the country over TO the
supremacy OF the Democratic party, Just
as he has now twice done in the State OF
New York. For these things loyal true
blue Republicans owe him no thanks.
But II any man thinks that all Republi
can voters alike will follow leaders who
are pursuing campaign OF vindictiveness
he is mistaken. II is unfortunate that
there is no system or party machinery by
which the organization, the enrolled vot-
ers, can remodel. so to speak, the COM
mittees, state or national, so that they will
truly represent their convictions. Nor Is
there any party system which will enable
the members Of the party to voice their
sentiments by votes at this time for the
information and instruction of their lead
ers. Hence they can be Influenced only
by that hidden or wireless way OF trans
hitting their voice.
Everybody knows what that voice is-it
is Face front; forward. march," Go
ahead. Don't look back. Remember Lots
wife. The Tribune is right Public ssnti-
ment and party sentiment must be obeyed.
The strangle hold of non progressive
leaders must be released IL we would win
any more victories In this state or the
nation. II such men. or misleaders. viii
not bulge or resign let them be asked to
vacate their places and give the party a
chance to save itself.
JOHN L. MITCHELL
Brooklyn. May q. 1913.