Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-10
Treating Economic Problems as a Joke

Treating lightly the serious problems
OF government and business is charac-
teristic OF Democratic leaders. In this
respect the leaders are not representa-
tive of the rank and file of the party
Tor most Democrats are sincerely de-
slrous OF meeting every issue frankly
as 1t arises and solving the problems
promptly for the best interests of the
country
An illustration Of hte frame of mind
OF the Democratic statesman" may
be found in recent issue of the Ra-
leigh, IN. c. News & Observer. edited
by JoSephus Daniels, a member of the
Wilson Cabinet. When he became Sec
rotary of the Navy, Daniels tried to
treat his new Office as a joke, and it
was many months before he sobered
down to the realization that the general
supervision of the American navy is a
serious job
Daniels also treats economic prob
lens as joke. For instance, he quotes
Republican editors query after the
war--what?" and answers it by say
ing, Book agents with subscription
books telling you all about it," The
Republican editor had made a care
full and intelligent presentation of the
trade problems that will confront the
business men of America when the
war has closed. our abnormal market
has terminated and our own ports
have been thrown open to free compe-
tition from abroad
The most thoughtful men Of America
are giving that question serious study.
Not so Josephus Daniels. The business
situation after the war does not con-
Germ him. He spent no sleepless nights
worrying over the industrial depression
that overwhelmed the enterprises of
this country from the effects of the
free trade policy. He was drawing a
fat salary in elegant offices with as
sistants and clerks to supply his every
need and with naval officers bowling
and saluting at his door. AS he did not
worry then, neither does he worry now,
for he is confident that this admins
tration will be retained in power an
other four years on the plea that
Wilson kept us out Of war;" and that
he will enjoy another four years Of
unprecedented prosperity.
But Mr.. Daniels misjudges both the
Intelligence and the temper Of the Dem
ocrats Of his own state and Of the
Carolina and in every other state know
what brought on the hard times. what
gave us a partial restoration Of pros
perity and what tho condition will be
when the war ends and free trade again
has full sway. They are not satisfied
with this administrators handling Of
domestic problems nor Of foreign prob
lens. and, relative to the former. they
want some definite assurance that pro-
vision has been made for an adequate
economic preparedness. The American
does not like being made the goat to
satisfy the theories or whims of men
who know much more about politics
than they do about business. If
Mr. Daniels will scan the election
returns in 1914 and since, he will
see a pretty plain expression of
dissatisfaction with his party's leaders
and just Us plain an indication of what
the country intends to do with those
leaders in 1916.
The doom Of the Democratic admin
istration has already been determined.
Nothing that Wilson and Daniels and
Burleson can now do will wipe out the
record they have made or cause men
to forget the hardships they endured |
in lsla-1l. But It would seem that
on the eve Of their departure from
place OF authority. the Democratic
y leaders would At least make an effort