The Washington herald., 1914-04-12
Political Situation.

"The administrations honeymoon is over" This
remark, attributed to prominent Democrat who now
denies its authorship is nevertheless too expressive
to be lost. 1t up the whole situation.
The first few months of President Wilson's admin
istration were as sweet as sugar candy Everybody
wished the President good luck said nice things about
him. and commended everything he did Congress
was in acquiescent mood, and arranged the de-
tails of the tariff bill to suit the Executive When the
President discovered that also necessary to
currency bill in order to save the country Congress
remained in Washington during the hot summer
months in perfect obedience. Saturated with good
lhumor and optimism, the Democrats looked forward
to remaining in control of the government for an
indefinite length of time.
1t is different now There is shadow across the
face of the moon, Political sentiment throughout the
country is changing Two or three weeks ago The
Washington Herald presented review of the spring
elections various States and pointed that they
indicated decided change in popular opinion. The
results of the elections last week simply
rmatory of what had gone before. Influences are at
work which the President cannot control The tariff
bill for which much was claimed, is not working
properly 1t has reduced the cost of living, but it
has reduced wages and lessened the opportunities
for employment Manufacturers are beginning to
complain. Great industrial plants like the Baldwin
than they had a year ago. Department stores are
filling up with foreignrnade goods These conditions
are universal and they having their marked effect
upon the political situation .
And then there is the proposed repeal of the Pan
anna free tolls law. This is already developing into
political issue of some magnitude President Wilson
was successful in passing it through the House. and
he may squeeze it through the Senate by narrow
margin but the final verdict is still to be rendered at
the polls The trouble with this question is that the
great of the people the butchers, the bakers and
the candle-stick makers, who do not know a single
thing about foreign policies treaty interpretations,
solid upon the understandable proposition that if
built the canal and own it we ought to be allowed
to do with it as we please. Upon this class of voters
the refinement of logic which permeates the speeches
of both sides of the question has effect The Rep
resentatives are finding this out. A Massachusetts
Congressman who voted against repeal and who then
up to his district, found that the moormen and
car conductors and workngmen were with him unani-
mously but there lots of ministers and lawyers
who thought that he had made mistake. The repeal
question is so likely to be an important issue that
President Wilson will break his long silence and
issue statement to the why he wants the
coastwise exemption law repealed He is especially
annoyed the persistent assertion that his position
is due either to pressure from England because of
secret friendly understanding with that govern
Mr. Wilson wants to convince the country that
foreign influence had any effect upon him, except
that he desired all foreign powers to regard the United
States nation which keeps its solemn pledge. If
Mr.. Wilson does not sign the statement Secretary
Bryan will The probability is however that it will
issue direct from the President
The significance of this situation is that the ad
ministration for the first time, assume the de-
fensive. The elections are approaching Not emily
Representatives but Senators be chosen by pop
ular vote Certain that he is in the right it still
mains for the President convince the people that he
has taken the proper stand.