The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1914-10-22
TINE FOR POLITICAL CHANGE.

A Conservative New York Banking Firm
Finds the Greatest Menace to the Wei
fare of the United States to be in Do
nestle Political Conditions.
From the Monthly Financial Circular of Johl
H. Davis & Co.. New York Bankers
Coupled with the new hope of favor
able Interstate Commerce Commission
decision in the freight rate matter, there
is to be found in many quarters a grow
ing belief that the present crisis will
bring about a great and lasting change
in the relations between American bust
ness and American politi-s. 1t is reason.
ed that all men, and particularly those
occupying high political places, must have
learned many lessons during the past
few weeks and must have come to realize
the necessity of new attitude by Gov
eminent toward capital, helpful and pro-
tective instead of restrictive and destruc-
tive. Certainly such change would be
the logical result of the present situa-
ton. But, we regret to say, the record
of political performances iuring the
past few years shows very clearly that
logic, of itself, is not to be depended
upon in forecasting political tendencies.
1t will be unfortunate, therefore, if the
logic of the present situation is not en-
dorsed and impressed upon politicians by
the country's vote few weeks hence.
Confidence may be warranted, but the
fact is that practically nothing has oc-
Cured so far to furnish convincing lndlca-
ton that the party now IN control OF the
national administration has either gam
ed in intelligence or altered its antagon-
ism toward business. There are to be
heard many protestatlons and profess
sions and promises but, with the Nover1-
Der elections so near, these are SUSPECT
ously seasonable. Washington continues
determined to place obnoxious new laws
upon the statute books and to press for
disturbing legislation and litigation. The
Federal Treasury persists IN It's policy OF
abusing and dlscrediting the great bank
ing interests. There is no sign of under
standing that the present crisis has de-
monsIrated the value of these interests
to the country nor of lessened OPPOSE
ton to permitting experience and sue
cess to count politically. There is no
disposition to admit that the tariff
change has resulted in failure and that 1t,
rather than the war in Europe, is chiefly
responsible for the deficiency in federal
I revenues anu LOT tue Hdtlol ull1pltu
nate foreign trade position. indeed,
there is little beyond the Interstate Com
merce Commission willingness to re-
hear the rate case to suggest new appre-
citation of financial and business neces.
sites. 1t may be true that logical
change is impending. Many observers
believe they see dependable signs of a
new political era and their confidence is
most welcome and encouraging. But
the country will make grave mistake
if when it goes to the polling booths in
November it ignores its opportunity to
make sure of change and immediate
change. The gravity of the situation
created by the European war should not
be permitted to obscure the fact that
the greatest menace to the welfare OF
the United States, and the most serious
obstacle to the nations progress, are to
be found in domestic political conditions.
To assure fundamental strength and per-
manent expansion, relief from the pres
ent abnormal state of affairs is less i'm
portant than relief from the power of
the demagogue and from ignorance, pre-.
JUDGE and lust for power in our political
life.