Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-10-15

Washington, d. c., Oct. IA. Especially
1t is now Ho for the campaign and a
fortnight's struggle of political give
and take. The generals and the pri-
Yates are girding themselves and much
of the inspiration proceeds from
Washington. President Wilson is the
acknowledged leader of the Democrat
ic party. All Democratic candidates
from senators and representatives
down are taking their cue from him,
while Republican candidates are bas-
ing their hopes of victory on a desire
of the country to return to the normal
days of yore when there were prosper
ity and freedom from turmoil. Their
leadership is not centered in any one
man. because ex-President Taft their
candidate at the 1912 election is not
actively in politics any longer and the
party leader will be designated only
when another national convention has
assembled and nominated another Re-
publican for President.
Republican courage is strong A
vigorous attack upon President Will
sons policies will be made all along the
line. The voters have had opportuni
ty to gauge the effect of a Democratic
administration for nearly two years.
Edge to the situation will be supplied
by Republican efforts of the, next few
weeks. Speakers from the Senate and
House have studied out their speeches
and fortified themselves with data and
expect to make a short but sharp cam
paign which should produce results.
OF recent days much material has
been prepared. Much of it has been
inserted in the Congressional Record
and thus made available for wide dis
tribution so that reading people can
have it easily at command. 1t makes
up strong case and Republicans be-
lieve should win many votes.
The collapse of the Progressive par
ty, strongly indicated in September by
the Maine voting, seems to have been
accentuated by developments of the
last month in many states. 1t was also
demonstrated in Maine that about
third of the Progressive strength came
from the Democrats. That is acknowl-
edged by Democratic leaders and it
becomes an interesting question
whether the same will not be true in
other states. In Illinois, for example,
where the political contending centers
upon the senatorship, many Democrats
are expected to revolt against the cleo
ton of Roger Sullivan. That should
help the Republican candidate, Sen
ator Sherman, to win. In New York
state where the Progressives are I'M
der the immediate leadership of ex-
President Roosevelt, the party has ev-
cry appearance of rapidly crumbling.
Mr.. Roosevelt seems to have fallen
short of successful leadership there.
In these states and elsewhere, the
alignment between Republicans and
Democrats, is probably closer than
was thought possible a month ago.
much from the Progressive party as
they expected and it may be, after all,
they will find themselves in a minority
The turbulence that seethes under
the Democratic surface bursts forth
in spots at times. 1t is shown in oeca-
sional remarks by the Democratic leg
islators themselves. Representative
Roberts of Massachusetts who Is a ma
tive of Somerset county, Maine, has
compiled quite an interesting series of
these, which has been printed in the
Congressional Record and viii be cir
culated as a campaign document in
several states. These show" says Mr.
Roberts, how leading and prominent
Democratic senators and representa-
tiyes fearlessly and honestly condemn
their party for failure to keep its SOL