New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-15
The Bourbons.

II is impossible to read the reports OF
the Republican gathering in Washington
without a feeling that approximates con-
tempt. In charge Of this assemblage' II
would seem, are the men whose very names
have become odious 70 millions OF Amer1-
Gun voters. Predominant in the discussions
that are published is the spirit that pro-
voked the revolt of 1912. Is it true, as
every outward evidence would indicate
that the Republican leaders are now plan
ping 10 return to power, as did the Bour-
hons, having learned nothing, having for
gotten nothing?
II would DE difficult to characterize ade-
ouately the policy that seems TO be taking
form at this interesting meeting. Mr..
Wilson has alienated some hundreds OF
thousands, perhaps a million or two, OF
German-American voters. Republican sue
cess next year is assured, If only we are
sufficiently discreet TO say and do nothing
that will prevent these German-Americans
from using the Republican party as a
vehicle of their wrath against Presi-
dent for what he has done to defend
American honor.
But Mr. Wilson's German policy has
proven a failure, and his Lusitania course
has awakened widespread criticism. There
fore, let us attack his foreign policy
through the Mexican incident Happily
there are no Mexican-American votes.
Those who are angry at Mr.. Wilson for
his failure to protect American lives will
be satisfied if we criticise Mexico; those
who are sympathizers with Germany will
take no offence at this.
The main line of attack is still
safer; let us stick to the economic argu-
ment, to prosperity. which is sound Re-
publican gospel II there is some pros
Ierity now, this is due only to the war;
what the country needs is the good, old
fashioned Republican organized prosperity,
the return to the days of Mckinley and
Hanna. Here is safe ground, which viii
not risk the loss Of any Gerpan-American
votes.
AS for the Progressives, since they are
numerous, they must be treated with re-
spect, but since they are no longer organ
lied they are no longer peril; they rep
resent nothing; they have 10 issue; at
most they might have a candidate, but this
10 doubtful; if only everything is con-
Quoted with decorum, with becoming 81
lence, with that skill which is natural to
Republican leadership, al will be well.
Here, it would appear, Is the present
Republican policy in a narrow compass:
Avoid all questions of principle, make
your appeal so general that German
Americans angry with the President for
his modest efforts in behalf Of national
honor and American Americans profound
iy angered by the smallness Of this same
effort can cast votes together in perfect
accord and without in the least irritating
each other. The main, the sole, thing is
20 win, and the winning is 10 bring bach
,ato party power Barnes and Penrose anC
nil the interesting figures whose names
are a part Of recent political history.
Can such a policy or purpose succeed
The Tribune does not believe 1t. Such {
policy disregards all that is vital in Che
political history Of the country in recen
wears. 1t flies in the face Of experience
and probability. It is based primarily or
the assumption that he single concern o.
the American people is prosperity anC
that moral issues and principles, nationa
honor and national self-recpect, are o.
small consequence to them when weighed
a.aiast dollars and cent?.
Sach policy utterly and fatally mis-
unG rstands the Progressive movement OF
1917. That was not merely an cphemera
mood: It was not q passing emotion Of
four millions Of voters. 1t was far more
than the popularity Of Mr. Roosevelt. i
was even more than the unpopularity o.
the men who controlled the Republican
partv al the moment. Above AL, it wa!
the first authentic indication that a new
generation of Americans were coming or
the scene; that they were not to be led OF
driven by the men or the ideas Of the past
that they had new ideals, new ambitions
new hopes for their country; that the!
were, in fact, not Of the Civil War era
snd did not see the Republican party a.
the party Of 1861 or 1864, but that they
were Of their own period and saw the
party in the wholly unsentimental ligh
Of new conditions and needs.
The revolution Of 1912 was the mos
considerable party revolt since the Ere,
Soil movement Of 1848, which split tn,
Democratic party into factions and per
mitted the Wings 70 elect a President
Three years later the same process wa
visible in the Democratic party that Il
..oing on in Washington now. The Ere,
soil movement mad oeen revolt pro
dGced by intence resentment among North
en- Democrats at the surrender Of tn
rarity itself 20 the slave interests Of tn