Arizona republican., 1916-10-01
"The Decisive Factor"

The result in Maine is still under discussion and probably will be until the morning of November '. for Maine is a pointer, though not necessarily prophecy. The democrats of course continue inter pret the republican majority a democratic victory. The republican papers jubiantly accept the majority which within a thousand O the estimates of managers a sign that the republican party in Maine has been re-solidifed; that the past been forgotten.
 Neither interpretation is the correct one. The result in Maine victory for progressivism brought about by progressive influences is plained in the following the Rocky Mountain News under the head of "The Decisive Factor:
 When all has been said and done regarding the Maine election of Monday, the clear outstanding fact remains that it was the progressive that turned the verdict which heartened the republican party and gave courage to the Hughes supporters critical hour. Until then the republican campaign had not gathered it's proper velocity impetus from that state was essential to give it momentum sufficient to carry the trenches
 Until the votes counted in the Maine ballot boxes doubt existed in number of quarters regard ing the attitude of independents that went out four years ago to make party. But the Maine totals demonstrated that the progressves this year are national and patriotic in their view and ready to stand behind the republican party long 1t does its part and berays reactionary tendencies
 The appearance in Maine of Colonel Roosevelt had determining influence. rallied the progress ives to the standard and that the national republican party stood progress i've doctrine and had taken to heart the lesson 1912 The issues that had been made by him before were the corner stone of the party platform and made the most telling indictment against the party in power. Governor Hughes has adopted that platform in good faith and he is at with Colonel Roose- welt the position to be taken by the republican party, not only in this campaign but after has into power.
 In Maine the progressives were given their share in party affairs and accepted good faith in accord with progressive principles and the reunion complete
 The lesson from Maine should be carried home to every state in the union Progressive influence and progressive votes the factors which will the final decision in November, both regards local offices and the national election. Party leaders foresight will to it that former progressves given proper recognition for without them the older party would be but an empty shell. The democratic party is offering every kind of inducement to pro- gressives to come over, but the record made the White House in the last three years is nsurmoun- table obstacle It is that the party in control has accepted in whole part some progressive doctrines but that inevitable. The stirring cam pagn of four for justice and social reform found some root in both parties
 Now that the state primaries are ended in Colo rado 1t will be the duty candidates and leaders in the republican party to draft their platform and pre- pare for their campaign with the remembrance ever before them that the progressive voter holds in his hand the balance of power