The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-02-08
PRESIDENTS TRIP
ANSWERS BRYAN
Preparedness Issue to Be
Fought Out on Tho Stump,
AROUSES PUBL IC SENTIMENT

Should Roosevelt Decide to Make
Few Speeches, Too, Most interest
ina Political Campaign Would De On.
Wilson Forced to Speak Because
There Are No Orators In Cabinet.
Should Colonel Roosevelt decide to |
follow President Wilson and William |
Jennings Bryan in their speechmak-
ing tours one of the most interesting |
political campaigns In our history |
would be offered the public Roosevelt,
of course, would speak on the same
side as the president-in favor of
greatly increased military prepara-
tions. The peerless leader" has an
nounced his intention Of making
speeches against the expenditure of
public money on preparedness.
The presidents tour. while designed
primarily to stir up public opinion in
way that will force national de-
Tense program through congress, will
likewise be somewhat of political
nature. 1t represents the presidents
acceptance of Mr.. Bryans challenge to
protect his leadership of the Demo
cratic party.
1t is one of Mr.. Wilson's fundamental
beliefs that the lawmakers of state
or nation do not dare to persist in
course In the face of opposing public
sentiment He was thus Influenced to
make this dashing campaign on the
stump In the hope of making 1t impos-
sibe for members of congress to con
tinue their opposition to the prepared
ness program.
Speaking In Favor of an Issue.
The trip has been likened by some
political sharps in Washington and
New York to the Roosevelt-Taft swing
around the circle in 1912. Then pres
ident of the United States and for
mer president made speeches for votes
today u president of the United
States and former candidate for the
office are speaking for and against an
issue.
Political observers predict most in
teresting campaign. Since his inau-
guration President Wilson has made
few political speeches, and not often
has he departed from his attitude of
reserve, which he thinks BELTS pres
ident In his speeches on this issue,
however, IL was predicted that the
president would 20 hammer and tongs
after those who contend that the ad-
ministration's policy embodles spirit
of miltarism. He was expected 20 at
tack with equal vigor those who say
that bigger national defense Is not
necessary for the adequate protection
of the country. President Wilson be-
levcs that the program he and his AS
sociates have outlined follows the mid
die of the road. Administration lead
ers assert it is amply sufficient TO meet
} the needs of the country on one hand
and on the other that It does not ap-
pronch militarlsm.
Some 800 or 400 invitations TO make
, speeches were received at the White
House after the announcement of the
presidents plans, but he preferred to
accept those In the south and middle
west, where in some places the de
, mand for preparedness is only luke
warm.
President Was Handicapped.
The president was handicapped and
as a result decided on this trip. Aside
from Mr.. Wilson himself there is no
member of his official family who IL
regarded as possessing more than medi
ocre platform ability. MIR, Lansing
the secretary OF state, is what might
be described as good "parlor per
former"-that Is, he is more at home
In small gathering than before
mass meeting,
Secretary of War Garrison is per
haps, next to the president, the mos
4 capable of all the cabinet member
r as campaigner. Secretary Daniels
has vastly improved as an orator since
his advent into the navy department
although he does not pretend to un
d usual forensic abilities.
< Secretary McAdoo is an earnest ant
=. attractive talker, but his experience
n before large gatherings has been re
y strictcd. Secretary Lane makes goo'
humorous speech. IL Secretary OF AZ
rlculture Houston, Secretary Of Labo
Wilson and MIR. Gregory, the attorne
/ general, have ever hung up any rec
r. ords as orators Washington doesn'
n know anything about 1t.
I. Secretary of Commerce Redtield WA
fair performer in congress. Pos
, master General Burleson is rathC
above the average and was an activ
participator in debate when membC
e of the house.
Hut what the cabinet lacks in Il
10 way of speechmaklng ability the SCI
n ate can provide. There are numb'
OF men In that body who are standln
20 firmly behind the president and n
available for anything in the line
" oratory. from rough and tumble d
10 bate 10 addressing Sunday school.
IT, Among these are Senators Ollie
ie James of Kentucky. John Sharp w
uams OF Mississippi, Chairman Sto'
20 of the foreign relations committe
te James 4. Reed of Missouri, Jam
Hamilton Lewis of Illinois, James
O'Gormnn ~ New York, IIoke Smi
Of Georgia, George E, Chamberlain
III Oregon, Thomas r. Gore of Oklahom