The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-16

republic than 10 likely II our present pol.
Icy IL unchanged and that the critical
juncture which appears to threaten an
eventual compuision Of forced interven-
ton by the United States would have
been averted. Also II the Admnistrs-
ton party can so far reverse itself In re-
spect to business legislation as now seems
to be suggested by the prospective aban-
donment or modification OF much OF the
legislative programme, why can there NOT
be a wholesome reversal OF policies which
have made tho Interstate Commerce Com
mission not so much the regulator a.
tho oppressor OF the railroads, 30 that
tho country Ia now confronting imminent
disaster on account OF the embarrassment
Of railroad credit?
Does any basis in fact exist for ad-
dressing these heterogeneous to politicsT
II there IL such q basis. II the signs OK tne
political times are that Washington mas
awakened TO the folly Of making q shio-
boleth or fetish of consistency with posi-
tons prematurely taken or policies In
3udiciously prepared. the circumstance
will be most encouraging. Business ana
finance have given an exhibition or amaz-
ing fortitude under trying conditions
which deserves precisely such a reward
as tho evidence Of appreciation at WASH
ington Of the difficulties with which con-
structive enterprise In the United states
has had to contend. American energy
and ambition would thrill with new life at
the vision OF assured tokens that political
responsibility had at last produced a
SOLDERING effect on radical and ideaiisuc
temperaments. and It Ia time that an effect
OF this sort were produced. Bread lines
In the cities are hatly contradictory OF the
assertions OF all Astounding prosperity re-
iterated by the ADMINISTRATORS business
press agent, Secretary Redfleld. Railroad
earnings almost entirely absorbed by
operating expenses outweigh. all the
academic demonstrations by self-const-
tuted saviors OF the people that the com
mon carriers do not need higher rates for
the railroad service which is performed
better and more cheaply here than any
where else IN the world The growing dis
tress OF Industrial corporations. which are
operating at little or no proht for the sake
OF keeping equipment In use and orsaniza-
tions together. gives the lie to the beauti-
full political hypothesis that the existence
requirements Of the American people are
aione sufficient 20 guarantee q normal
amount OF prosperous activity.
When one compares the humping as
sumptions OF President Wilson's January
message outlining new business legisla-
ton with the actual facts As the Con-
sressional leaders have found them In the
work Of trying to frame new laws Il
seems 70 be demonstrated that q new
sense OF responsibility must have begun
to pervade politics. q feeling which canno,
be ASSOCIATED from the impressions
made by the necessity OF scquitting ONCE
holders OF responsibility for . continue.
ton OF unsatisfactory business conditions
1t is not too late for politics to do some.
thing by way OF contributing to the res
/ toration OF sconomic activities. There
have been and there remain other factors
than politics In tn. course OF values and
trade volumes. but unsettlement and dis
turbance have been politically aggravated
and as long as conditions are politically
complicated Government will he held
as It always has been held. to account for
/ hard times