Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-11-11

The Republican party will never regain
the confidence of the American people until
n Gusts such leaders as Penrose, Barnes
snoot and Crane and earnestly espouses
the cause of the common veal In prefer
ence TO the interests OF big business.
This prophecy was delivered with solem.
nity and earnestness today by William
Burns Smith. former Mayor-the dandy
Mayor-of Philadelphia and for nearly
half century a member OF the Republican
marty. The verdict of last Tuesdays cleo
ton and the fact that this distinguished
Philadelphia Republican spoke on the occa-
slon Of his seventy-second birthday anniver-
sary gave emphasis and seriousness to the
statement Of one of the four living ex-
Mayors Of Philadelphia.
Fx Mayor Smith was interviewed in his
summer home at Laurel Springs, N. j.,
where he has been staying for several weeks
IN the hope of recuperating from serious
attack OF neuritis.
sThe result Of the national election" he
aid, "as in accordance with my anticipa-
ton. i had no idea that Hughes could
win.
There was not enough energy or intcr-
est in his campaign. The men in charge of
Mr.. Hughes's fight apparently lacked politi-
cal foresight. They gave all their attention
70 the East and let the great West run
away.
The verdict OF the people in returning
Mr.. Wilson to office was right. The people
are always right When we dispute that
we dispute republican government
The verdict last Tuesday shows that the
American people are suspicious of the fidel-
iiy OF the Republican party. The Republi-
can party was badly injured by the verdict,
and II the Republican party does not desire
this injury to be permanent or mortal, as II
were II must get nearer to the people at
once tThe Republican party must dispense
Immediately with some of its so-called Re-
publican leaders OF the leaders to be elm
hated Penrose, Barnes, Smoot and Crane
mould come in on the first rollcall. Power
should be taken from their hands.
The Republican party has no issue today
I which In any way attracts the interest OF
the people. The days of the tariff, slavery
etc, as issues have gone. never to return
BELIEVES IN ROOSEVELT
81 have the greatest confidence Theo-
dore Roosevelt. knew his as Police Com
missioner, as Governor and 'as President.
People have termed many utterances as
extravagant, but l know him as honest.
believe that he would have made better
showing before the American people at
the polls last Tuesday than Charles Evans
Hughes.
I'VE have our calamity howlers, but
the result last Tuesday will make no diff
ference in the business of this country.
There will be no panic and we will not be-
All fairness VIC must admit that President
Wilson has performed an admirable service
In keeping out of the great brawl across
the seas. My father fought under yelling
ton at the battle of Waterloo, and my
Eympathies are with the Allies, but L would
not care to see this country take up the
eudgels for Great Britain or any other
eountry"
sKEPTIcAL ON PROHIBITION
Asked to express his opinion concerning
the great prohibition sweep last Tuesday
which made half the country dry ex-Mayor
Smith said:
Il visited the State Of Maine in its hal
. cyon days OF prohibition. While there was
invited into the sample room of a hotel and
saw them serving liquor from tomato cans.
tell you, you can't legislate rum out of the
s United States. The white man will get
everything he wants; you can't stop him
BY law.
"Instead Of bowling for prohibition we
should boost for pure liquor-liquor that
viii not eat up the tissues and taint the
mind and body Give us pure beer. pure
wine and pure whisky. the way II is made In
some OF the European countries. In this
manner We will cut down the evil effects OF
drink Our present high liquor licenses have
liquor"
The ex-Mayor was asked II he believed
nat legislation should be enacted 20 stop
prices would be lowered In this country.
EAT LESS. DRINK MORE"
The question seemed 70 amuse him.
You can't stop food shipments abroad
py iegslation," he said. 1T wouldn't be
eonstitutional The only advice l can give
y the American people is to eat less ana
drink more
DO you mean drink water7"
I will leave that 10 the Judgment of the
american people," replied the ex-Mayor,
laughing heartily
Apked what he believed was the greatest
ulns TO strive for In life. the ex-Mayor
replied
happy, quiet life. without too much
reaith and no poverty A man 10 be
n4ppy must not be too prominent, must
not be too prominent in the public eve. AS
~poeit Burns expressed II;
happy fireside cline for children ana
hi hasi unat Is the pathos and divine OF
~ smith served as Mayor of Philadel-
t". from 1854 TO 1877, and was known
me Dandy Mayor" because he was
sys 20 Immediately dressed and well
ea lie was the last Mayor under
@neiphias old charter. Mr.. Smiths
state Senator William Wallace smith.
n The day with him. Ex-Mayor Smith
x-en osen an assistant ire marshal OF Phila-
''phla since 1901. "