West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1914-09-24
Tho War And Our Elections

The announcement is made, seemingly
with authority, that President Wilson
Will make no speeches in the Congression-
al campaign this autumn. 1t is intimat-
ed in high Democratic quarters that he
deems the outlook so satisfactory that he
believes his voice will not be necessary to
insure the return of the party to power
in Congress.
Five weeks ago most Republicans were
confident that they would overcome the
huge Democratic majority in the House
at the polls next November, and some
were even so bold as to claim fighting
chance to capture the Senate. Now they
are frankly admitting that the war in
Europe has changed the entire situation.
Not only has the administration gained
strength by its wise and firm dealing with
the problems arising from the European
conflict, but politicians who look ahead
see the tide OF prosperity for this country
setting in before November and becoming
the principal, If not the only issue at the
polls. The business depression, which
the President described as psychological,
but which appeared very material to
commercial and industrial interests every
where, must necessarily be dissipated,
whatever its form, once our fields and
factories begin supplying the world with
food and with the clothing and other
manufactured products which stricken
Europe will be forced to buy because her
population has abandoned all other
trades for that of war. The majority OF
voters are not in habit OF making deep in
quirY into the cause Of effect. They plac-
ed the Democrats in power il will be
enough tor them that prosperity has come
under Democratic rule, and they will be
disposed to keep them in office.
Looking still further into the future
many of those Republicans who d few
weeks ago could not make themselves see
Democrat in the White House beyond
the present term, reluctantly admit that
the Democratic prospect is brighter than
at any time since March 4, 1913, and is
likely 20 improve. The war i'm Europe
has, IN effect, not only repealed the
Democratic low tariff, but has given to
every form Of American industry a degree
OF protection greater than ever dreamed
OF by the most vehement high tariff advo.
cate. Practically all Of Europe is elimi-
mated as a competitor. Our own mills
and our own workmen must produce
nearly everything that we consume, and
besides, there will be opportunity for
tremendously increased output TO supply
not only Europe's normal demand, but
the vast increase necessary 10 maintain
the equipments Of armies in the field.
Not only will the money We would have
sent abroad 10 pay for European products
which under the new tariff could be
placed on our own markets cheaper than
those Of our own msnuiacture-be kept
here, but our greatly increased exports
must soon create for us huge credit
abroad. Until war broke out the pros.
pect vac only for the steady accumulation
Of a balance Of trade against NJ. Thus il
j. difficult b. gee how an era Of great pros.
perity can fail 10 come 10 this country AZ
the result Of a reversal by the European
war Of the most potent Of the Democratic
policics.
with The possibility that this wave Of
prosperity may be at III height in 1916.
il DE- no wonder that Republicans are less
confident in their predictions of single
term for The Democratic Presidential
administration. Washington Herald
(Republican.)