The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1914-03-06
TWELVE MONTHS RESULTS

tOl6VeldHu Gldlu DedleTJ
AS much because of the new spirit
manifest at Washington as because of
definite, concrete objects accomplish
ed the first year of the Wilson admin
istration is notable. Twelve months
ago this noon the present chief magis-
trate took the oath of Office.
Not before In many years-if ever
has president accomplished so much
in his first year and at the same time
carried public opinion with him in vir-
tually every performance. The Wilson
record in this respect stands without
parallel. Admiration for the perform
ance is merged into wonder that so
much could be accomplished In so
short time.
Mr.. Wilson entered the White House
with certain definite undertakings
pledged. Other presidents had done
that. Unlike most of the others, how
ever, Mr.. Wilson set about Immediate
ly to fulfill the pledges. 1t was a mere
business task with him-an executive
job to be performed in the best posi-
BILE way, with conditions as they were
and with the means at hand.
The president, returning to the pre-
cedent of a century ago, adopted the
policy of delivering his congressional
messages in person. Opponents gasp
ed, thought the matter over and then
applauded.
He recommended tariff revision
sharply downward, co-operated with
congress to bring about the reform
honestly, and the best sentiment of
the country upheld the method and ap-
proved the result. Finding paid lob
by detrimental to the best results, he
denounced IL and brought an end to
conditions which had scandalized
Washington for decades.
Approaching the fact that tariff re-
vision without currency reform would
be but half a victory, he urged con
gress TO abandon thoughts Of recess,
long hot season and to enact meas
ure which the country had needed for
years but had been denied. And even
before the executive signature was at
tached, intelligent public opinion ev-
| erywhere applauded
Then came the regular session, with
the food gates against general legis-
lation thrown down. Pessimists pre-
dicted confusion. Now, they declared
the presidents qualities of leadership
would be given the supreme test
Again critics have been Confounded
The session has been in exiatence
three months, and the orderly proceed
ure in all departments remains II testi-
monial TO the sheer ability of the man
at It's head.
10 degree which could not have
been foreseon, Woodrow Wilson is to-
day tho acknowledged leader and
champion of tho American people His
character az party chief has been al
most wholly submerged. Former op-
pouents admit his widespread and un-
diminishing popularity, Gould the
question of his Endorsement 30 before
the people today, VIC believe he would
receive an overwhelming vote of ap-
proVal, and there would he scarcely
an aroma of partisanship In the popu-
lar affirmation.
1t is a remarkable situation, testify
ing to tho rare genius for leadership
possessed by the president. 1t is more
than that. however; il is proof that
a statesman who relies upon the peo-
pies judgment and good will for
strength places his confidence secure
ly.
For MIR, Wilson's source of power is
back among tho thinking, upright oiti
zens Of the republic who recognize in
him u representative worthy of the
tasks they put upon him. Without this
popular support, he could have done
little. With II almost nothing Is i'm
possible
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