Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1914-01-22
PROTEST. NOT DEsERTIoN


TT is beginning to filter through the
ambitious think-tanks of certain
L political marplots that the average
voter is becoming wise to the plot
ting and scheming of that class of
men who without regard to party have
determined to prostitute for their own
purposes the possibilities of the di-
rect primary law. But the awaken
ing of the voter is the disturbing ele-
ment in all their ambitious dreams.
Many good Republicans did not vote
for Mr.. Taft simply as protest
against methods OF procedure in legis-
lation and party management with
which they were not in sympathy,
knowing full well that in all probabil-
ity the result of their action would be
q Democratic administration of our
national affairs. These voters were
actuated by sincere motives in that
they believed this to be the most ef-
fective way to demonstrate their dis
approval of conditions which in their
judgment demanded change
Their protest has had its lessons
and the effect upon the Republican
party is shown in the elimination of
almost, if not all, of those things
which were offensive to the sincere
objcctor in the party. 1t is, therefore,
not reasonable to suppose that, having
punished or disciplined his party, he
Us going to continue to do so indefi-
nitely simply to please the whim or
advance the personal ambitions of
disgruntled would-be leaders of other
parties.
OF course, the Republican party is
not perfect; nor is the Democratic or
Washington, or any other; but the
thinking voter must choose that party
which to him seems best fitted to rep
resent the principles for which he
stands.
Republicans are now making a
more careful study of the results of the
last national election. And they are
not going to continue the support Of
a party which, instead of revising the
tariff, for instance, has cut down the
protection tree. Nor are they greatly
impressed with the policy of the party
I'm power, which, denouncing Repub-
licans for choosing those of the same
political faith to fill the offices, has,
with utter disregard of ordinary DO
aitical decency and without reason or
excuse, appropriated all the offices in
sight and violated every principle of
civil service reform. Not satisfied
with bouncing Republicans right and
left, regardless of their experience
land efficiency, the Democratic Con-
sress Is now placing upon every possi-
Bile bill a rider intended to further
alp out efficient officials to make room
for hungry Democrats
Yet not word of disapproval from
those Democratic reforners and their
newspaper organs who few months
ago were promising the people an en-
3argement of the civil service or merit
system and pledging more efficient
administration OF the national gov
ernment.
Right here In Pennsylvania, A.
Mitchell Palmer and the group asso-
clated with him have been reaching
out in every direction, regardless of
the civil service, to build up a huge
political machine that will enable
them to accomplish their own selfish
ambitions without reference to the
people whom they profess so much to
be serving.
1t is inconceivable that the >large
body of Republican voters prefer these
conditions to the more conservative
and righteous expression of the prin-
ciples of their own party now intelli
gently responsive to the will of the
people.