The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1916-09-25
1874 LANDSLIDE
IS CONTINUING
THIS YEAR
Political Events Of 1916 to
Date Confirm Forecast Of
Two Years Ago.


WASHINGTON. Sept. 25-Wlliam
II. Wilcox. chairman OF the Republic
can national committee, discussing
the significance of recent political
events. suggests that political prog
nosticators Of both leading parties
should not confine their observations
to what actually happened in Maine,
or was indicated in the New York
primaries, but should go back to
1914, when the people registered a
most interesting verdict in the con-
gressional elections
Landslide in 1914.
Chairman Wilcox points out that
two years ago, when the people had
their first opportunity following the
election of 1912, to register d protest
against the national administration
the drift towards n Republican adj
minlstration was so strong that the
party's victory at the polls was Of
landslide proportions; so great that
although the tremendous Democratic
majorities in the Senate and House
produced by the Republican split in
1912 were not overcome. such great
strides were made in this direction
as to render the outcome In 1916 u
foregone conclusion"
Continuing Mr.. Wilcox says.
The elections of 1914 we're highly
significant from two points of view.
First. they demonstrated the judicial
temperament Of the American people
Mt time when there were occurring
events calculated to sweep men OF
their feet, and proved that their
mental balance could not be upset,
that they were concerned with funda-
mentals.
Partly Alignment Restored.
Second, they demonstrated that
lines Of political thought in the coun-
try had not been changed as result
of the three-cornered campaign of
1912, and that wherever the Repub-
LEANS and Progressives had come to-
gether In spirit of friendly and en-
lightened progressiyism the align
ment OF old parties was the same rs
1t had been in former years, with the
numerical advantage still with the
Republicans.
Pointing out that the great pivotal
states in 1914-the states that were
certain to decide the elections OF
1916, went back to the Republican
column, Chairman Wilcox asserts
that Then. as In Maine the other
day, the indoSement or reputation
of President Wilson was paramount. ,"
Suggesting that the presidents own
state in 1914 registered It's disap-
proval of his administration and its
ruinous policies precisely as Maine
registered its disapproval this month
and as New Jersey will again register
1t in November Mr.. Wilcox con-
cludes:
"oR Year" for AIibi.
ut is clearly apparent that the
same causes produced the identical
results in both states. In 1914 the
Democratic majority was reduced
from 145 to less than thirty. DEM
ocratic leaders sought to belittle the
significance OF the tremendous popu-
lar reputation by claiming that it
was an "off year" and that in 1916
the pendulum would swing back to
Democracy.
THE Maine election effectually
and completely disposed of this fall
lacious argument. The pendulum is
not swinging back, but on the con-
trary the swing to the Republican
side is more pronounced than ever.
The loss of 4 Democratic senator and
a Democratic congressman in
strong Democratic district shows that
the elections Of 1916 are to he but