The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-11-11
ELECTION RESULTS REVIEWED
OUTLOOK FOR DEMOCRATS IN
1915 SEEMS RRIGITT.
Chances OF Extra Session Greatly Les.
sened by Lowering OF MajOritics-
Tragedy OF Bull MOOse-MOre Tears
Will bc Shed by Democrats Than
Any Others Over His Collapse.

Will he Shed by Democrats Than
Any Others Over His Collapse.
washington, Nov. 7.-Most Of the
political authorities in Washington
whether Democratic or Republican.
were surprised that the administration
majority was cut down so much as a
result Of Tuesdays elections. The
majority Of the wiseacres at the CAPT.
tai misjudged the greatest unknown
quantity Of the election problem-the
effect of the European war on Ameri-
can politics.
1t was generally assumed that the
war would help the administration in
the country at large; it is now gen.
orally admitted that the fact was
quite the reverse. A large proportion
Of the voters held the administration
more or less accountable for industrial
and commercial difficulties due entire
ly to the hostilities abroad. For this
reason. the Democratic candidates did
not get anything like so large a pro-
portion Of the Bull Mooses estate as
they would have received under norm
al conditions.
Nevertheless, the president has
achieved a better verdict at the mid
way point of his administration after
revising the tariff than any of his
predecessors has done for fifty years,
with one exception. The exception
was due perhaps entirely to the fact
that the country was at war with
Spain and felt like standingy solidly
behind the government for that rea-
son. II the United States had been at
war at the time of the recent election
the Democratic majority would doubt
less have been larger; yet there is
hardly any rational citizen who will
not admit 1t to be a blessing that the
country Is at peace. Such are the
para oxes Of public life.
Taking tn. Republican argument
at Its face value, President Wilson, af-
ter his first great test at the polls,
emerges with the chances of re-elec-
ton in his favor. If the public Is in
clined to blame an administration and
Its party for adverse business condi-
tions. 1t Is equally inclined to praise
them for favorable conditions. Fair.
minded persons agree that when the
war In Europe ends there will probably
be substantial business revival in
the United States. and 1t is the gener-
al opinion that the war should be
over within one year from the time
1t began. With the new currency sys-
tenn established and the national re-
serves in good shape. a restoration of
prosperity should make the Demo-
cratic again victorious with Wilson at
their head.
The Wilson administration has al
ready accomplished during less than
one-half Of one term more construc-
tive and remedial legislation than has
been accomplished by most administra-
tions In two complete terms. There
of the 143 10 the very moderate one of
latter half Of President Wilson's first
term could we'll be devoted to O con-
vincing demonstration Of the ability
OF the Democratic party to attend in
ship shape way to the routine of
administration, while tho great his
tory-making statutes Of the 63d Con-
gress get a fair trial before the pub
lie in the interval.
Considering the election as 1t af-
fects congress, 1t would seem that a
reduction Of the tremendous majority
OF the 143 to the very moderate one Of
25 or 80 should reduce to an equal
extent the chance Of any extra session
next spring or summer. and the
morning after" realization that the
country has about as much general
legislation as 1t can digest should put
any easy quietus on the persistent ru-
mors that there will be an extra ses-
sion this month in order to pass GER
tain bills which would be very hard to
drive through a congress with a small
working margin.
1t would be first class thing for the
approaching short session to put all
the appropriation bills through in a
business-like manner. instead Of pro-
crastinating until the last moment and
then rushing them into enactment
when everybody is worn out and only
a few know what Is actually happen
ing. 1t must be said in all candOr
that since obtaining control of the
house in 1911 the Democrats have not
distinguished themselves for skill in
handling the regular supply measures.
They have a fine opportunity to cor