The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1916-09-03
Mr.. Wilson Accepts the Nomination.


yesterday formally accepting the Democratic
nomination marks the real beginning of the DEM
ocratic campaign. What has gone before may
be considered as preparations for the "big drive"
that the party IN power will make, follow
ing the lines laid down by the Chief Executive.
The staging Of the ceremonies at Shadow Lawn
were made to verge on the spectacular, and the
leaders in charge of the arrangements probably
have succeeded in obtaining the maximum amount
of publicity for the event
The Presidents address probably will be
recorded as one OF the strongest he ever has
delivered. Throughout may be found note of
his sincerity in his belief that the record Of
Democratic achievement is such as to win a
return to power for the party. The speech also
discloses the sincerity of his belief that the Re-
Publcans have nothing to offer that the Demo-
Gratis have not given.
1t has been said that Mr.. Hughes speech of
acceptance and subsequent utterances have been
Disappointing 1t also will be said that Mr.. Viii
sons speech of acceptance is disappointing Mr.
Wilson creates no issues. In way does he
broaden the field of combat. Upon the issue of
Americanism he practically has nothing to say.
He passes by the suffragists and the Progressives
without notice. He does not answer the attacks
OF Mr.. Hughes in the way that was expected but
contents himself with an account of what has
been accomplished by the Democrats In answer
to Mr.. Hughes charges of ineffciency in govern
ment due to the appointments of inefficient
men, Mr.. Wilson is silent
Perhaps there is only one surprise in Mr.
Wilson's speech and that comes after defense
Of his Mexican policy.
Mistakes l have no doubt made" Mr. Will
son frankly admits, but not in purpose or OBJ
ject"
In these words Mr. Wilson virtually admits
that Mr.. Hughes charges Of wabbling vacillation
and mistake on top of mistake in the Mexican
policy are true
To the Republican charges OF the administra-
tons extravaganza, Mr.. Wilson offers no reply.
On preparedness he is silent and though he de-
liwrs an ungrudging blow at the hyphens he
alludes to the submarine controversy only in an
evasive way.
The Democrats have pointed out with effect
that Mr. Hughes has failed to say what he
will do Mr.. Wilson also fails to say what
he will do" 1t is apparent that Mr. Wilson be-
licves his record sufficient as an index 10 what
may be expected Of him if he is reelected Just
as Mr.. Hughes believes his record as governor
Nof New York is sufficient as an index to what
he will do if he is placed in the White House
In declaring that the Democrats have fulfilled
their explicit promises, Mr.. Wilson fails to de-
gress after a promise of economy, fails to ex-
plain the high cost of living after promise that
the cost would be reduced and fails to mention
other promises not yet fulfilled
Mr.. Wilson says that "the Republican party
was put out of power because Of faure-prac-
teal failure and moral failure" Those who read
his speech with nonpartisan eyes hardly will
agree with this statement. Mr. Wilson was
elected by minority of the voters and solely
because the Republican ranks were split Even
those who believe that the last Republican ad-
ministration failure will not admit that the
partys defeat at the polls was due to that failure
Mr.. Wilson, after saying that "boasting is
always an empty business" devotes few words
to boast OF the rural credits act. 1t is too
carly to say whether this new law will accom-
pllsh what its authors expect and it is a fact
that the Federal reserve system still is on trial.
Mr.. Wilson, however boasts OF number of
Democratic achievements which even Republi-
cans, il at all fairmndcd, must admit he has a
right to boast OF. The administration has been
wise in many respects and Mr.. Wilson clearly
and forcefully calls to mind these wise acts of
his party.
Throughout his address, Mr. Wilson main
tains the dignity of the Presidency He talks
in language that all the people OF the nation
can understand and his simple treatment of
intricate subjects is admirable in numerous in
stances. The speech by no means represents all
that Mr.. Wilson has to say before November
Although he plans stumping trip. he intends
to deliver a number of speeches and it is to be
expected that the issues he has ignored in his
acceptance address will be treated later
The nation particularly will, be anxious to
hear what Mr.. Wilson has to say about pros
perity. The voters will want to be convinced
that prosperity is not due largely to the war and
that the Democratic party can guarantee that
prosperity in this country will not end with
the war.
To,, a. A. Q:-I.