Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1916-08-26
WASHINGTON NEWS LETTER
By Arthur w. Dunn
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Many years ago. before William J.
Bryan ana Theodore Roosevelt came
to disturb all political conditions, the
state Of Maine was regarded as a po-
litical barometer.
In those days 1t was said that IL the
Republican plurality in the September
election fell below 10000 the country
was going Democratic. This state
ment had q few exceptions-as, for In
stance IN 1880 the Republicans lost the
state by less than 1000 votes In fu-
sion campaign. yet Garfield was elected
president Hut upon the whole Maine
has been considered guide for the
greater battle each presidential year.
No doubt that accounts for the con
test that is in progress in that state
and the efforts Of both parties TO make
the best possible showing
A Look at tho Figures.
The Democrats and Greenbackers
fused In 1880. with the result stated.
IN 1854 the Republican plurality was
1900, and the Republicans lost the
recent times. In 1883 the Republican
majority for governor was 1862, and
Harrisoa defcntcd Cleveland by a close
vote in the national election. In 1892
the Republican majority was 1851,
and Cleveland easily defeated Harri-
son In 1896. 1900 and 1904 the Re
publican majorities for governor rang
cd from $1,000 to $4,000, and the Re
publicaus won in November In 1903
the plurality for governor was only
1858, yet Taft was elected by large
majority In 1912 the Republicans
elected their governor by the narrow
margin OF 1906, and the Republicans
lost the presidency. Two years later,
with Progressive candidate. the Dem
ocrats had a plurality of 5000.
Bold Tom Of Indiana.
How those old senators hated II! l
refer 80 the speech of Thomas Tag
CART, comparatively new senator
from Indiana. As a rule, the oldet
senators think II is decidedly presump.
tuous for new senator to give his
views at any time. but when he enters
upon severe criticism of senatorial
methods, attacks senatorial pork" and
criticises wasteful extravaganza, why,
that Is going much too far!
Tom Tnggart told the senate some
truths and backed up his statements
with facts aud figures. 1t was bold
thing to do, attacking the pork barrel
hut 1t may help Taggart In Indiana.
Senatorial Prophecy.
During his speech against the child
labor bill Senator Hardwick Of Geor-
gia, commenting on the fact that there
was 10 plank for such legislation In
the Baltimore platform. basis OF the
great victory of 1912, said
I'VE are now going into another
campaign, which | hope we win win.
But that Is prophecy"
And dangerous prophecy" remark
ed senator Borah of Idaho
Il don't know about that" replied
Hardwlck. 1T looks to me as II we
have been gaining on you recently. as
near as I can guess"
Quoting the President.
In the last vain efforts TO prevent
large appropriations for the army and
navy Democrats In both houses quoted
from President Wilson'S message 10
congress in December, 1914, as posi-
tive proof that the country was well
prepared before entering upon such
large military and naval program.
Dangerous Alliances.
The propaganda goes on for interna.
tloual alliances FOR peace Efforts nro
being made 20 set the stage for the
United States to lead IN movement
for an international court and become
"A party with other nations to enforce
its DEGREES.
If France had not been an ally Of
Russia the great European slaughter
might have been ayerted. II Japan
had not been an ally Of England one
less country would have been engaged
In the war II Germany had not been
an ally OF Austria there need have
been no war. At least the countries
Tint made the war so monstrous need
not have been drawn into II unless
they wanted war
1t was George Washington who
warned his people to beware OF en-
tanging foreign alliances.
Hardwiok's Severe Charges.
Senator Hardwick was speaking
earnestly against the manner In which
his party associates were sacrificing
the rights of states
Il have been attempting" interrupts
ell Works Of California, Ito defend the
southern stutes against the encroach.
ments OF the federal government ever
since have been here rhey have
been absolutely giving away, selling
their rights, for money to come out OF
the national treasury"
Yes, SIR replied the Georgia sen.
ator; they have sometimes. / am
ashamed to say. sold their birthright
for mess OF pottage, and most often
they did not get the pottage."