The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1914-09-30
WHYISWAP HORSES
IN M|DSTREAM?
All President Needs Is
Party Helpers.
SENATORS AND congressman
Who Have Shared In Re.
sponsibility Entitled To
"Vote OF Confidence"
THIS REGARDED As THE ISSUE

washington, ~. u, sept. 1V'ih
the preliminary Democratic coun-
ellis, held at Washington, the lines
of the fall campaign have been
clearly drawn. The paramount is
sue, according to the prevailing Cos
sip, is simply this:
Shall President Wilson and the
Democratic majorities of the House
and Senate who have stood by him
in putting over" constructive pro-
gressive legislation receive a vote OF
confidence from the American cleo
torate?
In many particulars, the situation
Is critical. AS everybody realizes.
the President, with Congress assist
ing willingly, has met the financial
and commercial crisis brought upon
this country by the European war
wisely and efficiently. But the war
is to continue indefinitely. Some
war problems are in course OF soiu-
ton and others are certain to arise.
The United States occupies an inter-
national situation that requires del
icate handling. The case very lore
ibly revives the old injunction
against swapping horses while cross
ing a stream.
Much more besides the war situa-
ton is to be considered in the same
light. The new banking system pro-
yided by the Federal Reserve Act IL
on the eve of taking effect. and the
test of its success must be determin-
ed in the two years now to come.
The Federal Trade Commission Gre
ated by the Trade Commission Bill
must be organized and put to work.
Since the extra tariff session met
year ago last April, Congress has
done wonders by way of providing
the country with reform legislation
which has been demanded for years
But much remains to be done. The
crush of business has necessitated
the postponement of rural credits
legislation and may result in defer
ring action i'm the Senate upon the
Rayburn Securities Bill. The bills
In the conservation program have
passed the House. but are yet to
pass the Senate. Next winters ses-
sion ends by law March 4. There
fore it is possible that these and
other important matters may have
to be turned over to the incoming
Congress.
In considering the political appli-
cation of argument against chang
ing horses. there arises naturally the
question of what constitutes the
horse upon which so much progress
has been made. II is not horse
really: 1t is team-the President
and a sympathetic Congress.
The Presidents effective leader
ship Is conceded and universally
lauded. But the Presidents princi-
pie of action has been that of seek
ing common counsel before act
ing. In this manner he has been
able to secure the cooperation Of
Congress to degree without exam
pie in modern political history. The
Presidents measures and policies
have succeeded because the Demo-
cratic majorities of the House and
Senate have stood by him through
hot weather and cold, through praise
and blame, no matter whether the
going was heavy or easy, 1t follows
that the Democratic Congressman
and Senators who Joined in the
common counsel" and who have
stood by the President are entitled
to share the benefits of vote of
confidence"
Advices reaching Washington
from all parts of the country show
that substantially this line OF reas-
oning is running in the minds of the
public at large. Hence. the Demo
cratic outlook is considered excel
lent.
The House Republicans have sud
denly put the soft pedal upon at
tacks on the sugar schedule of the
Underwood Tariff. After having in
serted sugar speech after sugar
speech in the Congressional Record,
with view to harping insistentiy
upon the theme In the fall eaeetion.