Semi-weekly herald., 1915-11-02
REPUBLICAN PARTY UNITED.

The return of the ProgresSlyes to
the Republican fold was very strong
ly Indicated in the elections of 1914
and is conclusively proven by the
count of votes in 1915. Demo ocrats
who try TO explain away the results
OF the vote on November 2 on the
theory that local and not national is
sues were involved, fail to take a
broad view of the whole situation and
disregard the drift of events from
1912 down to date. All the signs
show that the people regard the tar
if as the main issue and that Pro
gressives see no way to restore this
country to sound economic principles
except to reunite with the Republican
party.
No test that has arisen furnishes
any evidence of Progressive party
strength anywhere-east or west. On
the contrary, the Progressive vote has
fallen off everywhere, both at the polls
and in the primaries.
The Progressive ticket in 1912 was
successful in six states-California
Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania,
South Dakota and Washington. In
1914 there was no test of Progressive
strength in Minnesota or South Dako-
Ia while in the other four states there
was n Progressive slump, in most
cases amounting TO Il catastrophe,
accompanied by Republican gain oi
impressive proportions. The figures
tell the story thus.
In California in 1914 there was at
Progressive slump Of more than 2o,-
900 votes; the Republican gain ex-
ceeded 100000. The recent defeat OF
Hiram Johnson's non-partisan election
bills is another indication Of return
10 Republicanism and recognition OF
the clear cut issue between the prin
ciples of that party and the policies
OF the Democratic party.
In Michigan, at the last voting the
Progressives fell off more than $780,
600; the Republicans gained lo9,-
600.
In Pennsylvania, on the vote foI
United States senator in 1914, the
Irogressives lost more than lIo,OOO;
the Republicans gained nearly 240,-
900.
In Washington the Progressives fell
off more than 10000 votes; the Re
publicans gained more than 10000.
In Kansas Mr.. Murdock's vote in
1914 was more than 5000 votes less
than Roosevelt's in 1912, while the
Republican competitor won the toga
by gaining nearly 10000 votes more
than Taft had. Senator Curtis made
his campaign on the tariff issue alone.
Illinois is another state where the
Progressives have claimed large
strength. Let us see. In the sena-
ttrial election of last year the Pro-
gressive candidate in Illinois fell off
more than $4,000 votes, while the
Republican candidate gained more
than $4,000.
Colorado, too, has been held up as
Progressive stronghold. Yet the Pro-
gfessive loss there in 1914 was over
$4,000 and the Republican gain was
more than 10000.
Ii the elections of 1915 stood alone
as an indication of the trend of pub
lie sentiment, there would be little
room for doubt, but, when taken in
connection with the changes that took
place in 1914, there is no question
whatever as to public opinion in this
country. Efforts to save the Demo
cratic party by appeals to patriotism
misrepresentation regarding the
economic condition of the country
anipulation of treasury statistics
attempted evasion of accountability
for extravaganza and inefficient ad-
plinistration-all these have failed to
fool the American people. 'Pitiless
publicity has had measure of ef-
feet, in spite of the Democratic pol
icy of concealment The voters know
what they want and how to get it.
==E~E-
In accepting the invitation to go to
Europe as peace delegates, Helen
1 I Ill. 4 \ ...N 4 =.