Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1914-09-11
Senator Smith.

Mr.. Editor After good deal of reflec-
ton have reached the conclusion that
the best interests of the State and of the
Democratic party will be promoted by the
reelection of Senator Smith at this time
and | venture to state some of the more
important reasons for my conclusion.
One of the weaknesses of our people, the
result, doubtless, Of frequent elections. is a
tendency to change laws before a real
opportunity has been given to test their
operation. The Democratic party came
into power under definite pledges with re-
spect to number of subjects which had
been agitated for years, and most of these
pledges have been redeemed by legislation
designed to correct the evils complained of
These measures had the unqualified sup
port of Senator Smith. 1t seems to me to
be the part of wisdom to retain the present
status until the efficiency of these laws
can be tested by the administration of
them, under the observation of those who
adopted them. and who are therefore best
qualified to detect their weakness, if such
should develop, and to amend them in the
way best calculated to meet conditions
as they arise
New men are apt to strive for change
to demonstrate their zeal, but the kind
of legislation lately enacted by Congress
needs. for its perfection, those who are
familiar with its history and in touch with
the interests affected and the effect to be
produced.
Within the last six weeks new and i'm
portant responsibilities, growing out of the
European war, call for men of experience
in public affairs and in harmony. by asso-
citation. with those who are charged with
the conduct of the government. Whatever
may be the termination of the war, the
United States is bound to be profoundly
affected by the new order that will prevail
and the new channels of trade and inter-
national intercourse that will follow so
tremendous conflict. What the admin
istration will most need is the service of
the men who know the inside Of these be-
ginnings of change and who will be best
able to assist. in counsel and action, in
preserving the interests and dignity of the
country.
These two considerations alone, in my
judgment. point to the wisdom of retain
ing Mr.. Smith in the Senate In view of
the interests involved il is not question
of men but of broad policy to which our
people should be alive. and | feel that
under existing conditions the reelection
of Senator Smith would best promote the
public welfare.
In justice to Senator Smith it should be
added that since his party came into power
he has given unwavering support to the
policies outlined in its platform. and to
every measure which events arising since
the convention of 1912 have suggested to
the President as wise for the public well
fare We are now dealing with the present
and the future, and the animosities of the
past should not be permitted to sway and
pervert our judgment.
Looking more closely to home affairs,
Senator Smith has always paid the utmost
attention to the advancement of his own
State, in so far as it was affected by Fed
eral legislation and his practical business
qualifications and his influence and init
mate relations with his fellow-Senators
have enabled him to accomplish a great
deal in this direction. II is natural to sup
pose that his zeal in behalf of his own
people would be stimulated, and that his
influence as a Senator would be largely
increased by reelection. Certainly no
influence comparable to his could be ex-
pected from a new man, strange to the
field of action, at time when ability and
experience are demanded in the councils
of the nation.
PHILIP ID. LAIRD.