The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-04-04
Political Situation.

These arc the most interesting and important
of the many political developments of the week.
Mr.. Rooscvclt's position can be outlined with
emphasis and accuracy. He believes, first OF ALL
that the present Democratic administration has
worked incalculable damage to the country and
that its continuance would mean universal dis
trcss He regards the foreign policy of the admins
tration, to use his words, as criminal. and he
includes in this characterization the disregard OF
the administration for adequate military and naval
defense The language in which he condemns
President Wilson's handling OF the Mexican situa-
ton is most vigorous. He has personal knowledge
of the great suffering which exists in New York
among the thousands of unemployed people and he
naturally bames the Democrats for causing idle
ness through business stagnation. His indictment
against the party in power is long the moral
law
1t may be- that the spirit of repentance has
entered Rooscvet's soul and that he is determined
to make .atonemcnt for conditions for which he.
more than any one else, is responsible. Be this
as it may there is doubt Of his present attitude
More than this. he will rclegatc himself into the
background if by SO doing he accomplish his
purpose.
And sclf-cffaccmcnt means much to Roosevelt
He would rather lead than follow When he volun-
tarily admits, as he does that he might Interfere
WITH DclnOCTauC Qc1CdC II nc StCppCu out lnc
1mclight again, the sincerity of his desire is APP
parent. He realizes that his action in 1912 acnatcd
from him thousands of Republicans and he fears
that if he should attempt to secure the Presi-
Dental nomination it would split the party again.
Too much water to use his expressive phrase
has gone under the bridge. So he is ready and
willing to support the nominee of the Republican
party and says that he believes that he can bring
back the remaining members of the Progressive
party who arc still loyal to him.
Support the Republican nominee. Kill the fat
ted calf, for the prodigal son is about to return!
Mr.. Roosevelt has shown that he execute
somcrsault more frequently and successfully
than any other person in the world. If the CAM
paign next year shall find him back in the Rcpub
1can ranks-as it undoubtedly will-thc spectacle
will be typically Roosevcltan. The truth is, how
ever that his support will be gladly welcomed and
it will make Republican victory certain. With all
factions united in the common determination to
GUST the Democrats there can be doubt to
the outcome
AS to candidates, Mr. Roosevelt has his prefer
cnccs Of course, but he refers to all of them with
considerable generosity of expression. At the
time-and the fact may not be without its siSnh
cance-hc mingles words OF criticism with Ian
guagc of praise. For instance, he regards Mr..
Root the ablest man in public life today and
would support him, but doubts if his nomination
would be wise, owing to Mr.. Roots lifelong identi-
fcation with corporate interests. He commends
Senator Burton's wisdom and experience but qucs-
tons whether he has physical vigor sufficient to
| enable him to stand the strain. He objects to Mr.
Taft not altogether personal grounds but be-
cause Mr.. Taft has publicly supported and Endorsed
the foreign policy of the administration. Without
going into detail it may be said that Mr.. Roose-
Ii d.. 4
speak, that is offered for his inspection.
Cynical people might suspect that these express
sions indicate belief in Mr.. Rooscvelt's mind
that after all, he is possibly the most available
candidate.
The prediction is made. however. that the future
will demonstrate this point of view to be incor
rect. Mr.. Roosevelt is sincere in saying that he
cannot-and ought MOTTO be regarded
didatc Viewed in the light of the present stua-
ton there is only condition under which his
name can be considered The present admnstra-
ton is publicly committed by the uttcranccs Of
Secretary Bryan to the policy of peace at any
price. We arc not going to intervene in Mexico
though the American flag is nsulted or Americans
murdered American property destroyed. No
matter what happens in other parts Of the world
We will content ourselves with beautifully written
protests The time may como when there will be
d popular reaction against Supfnc poHCy and
when the American people will demand a little
more of the big stick idea Should this be- the
case somebody might casually suggest the ncces-
sity of a strong in the White House and the
name Of Roosevelt would nstinctivcly arise in
|cvcrybody's mind.
This however, is for the future to decide In
the meantime, the numerous Republican candi-
dates not letting the grass grow under their
feet.
There will be one less candidate in the race
when a statement which Senator Borah, of Idaho,
is preparing is made public. Mr.. Borah will state
that he does not regard himself as a candidate but
he will take occasion to utter warning to his
fellow Republicans not to get too far away from
the progressive idea. Whether he regards Mr..
Root and Mr.. Fairbanks as examples of the re-
dictionary class he does not say, but there is no
doubt that his point of view has considerable merit
As to his withdrawal from the race, perhaps he
is making virtue of necessity. 1t is hardly likely
that the Republican party will ever nominate for
the Presidency man who voted for Bryan and
free silver in 1896 elevate Idaho, with its three
electoral votes to the dignity of a pivotal State.