The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1916-08-28
THE coMING ELECTION.

THE COMING ELECTION.
The political balance of the ruber-stamP
voters-Repub1icans and Democrats who
vote their party's ticket regardless
probably closer this year than it has ever
been. Once heavily in the majority, the
ranks of the Republicans have been thinned
by assertions to other parties, notably the
Progressive Though the Progressives, as
party, do not exist, they do exist as an in
dependent group of men-the latter-day
mugwumps owing allegiance to no
group of men, have only the interests OF
their country to consider in casting their
ballot
1t is the free thinking vote that will de-
eide the coming election, and that this in
dependent vote will be given to Woodrow
Wilson, is the opinion advanced by Irving
Fisher, professor Of political economy at
Yale university, scholar and thinker of
national repute intimately acquainted with
the industrial movements which have as
irresistible an effect on the political destiny
of nation as the ocean swell on ship;
man, by the way, who has picked the win
ming presidential candidate ever since 1888.
II was present at the three conventions in
Chicago and at ST. Louis" writes Professor
Fisher, ATTENDED some meetings of their plat
ceremony of acceptance, and have read carefully
the important speeches of the campoign. After
careful consideration have joined the Wilson
Independent League. I thoroughly believe that
the BEST INTERESTS OF THE COUNTRY
REQUIRE MR.. WILSON'S REFLECTION"
Professor Fisher enumerates a number of
reasons for his belief. While he does not
approve every phase of Wilson's Mexican
policy, he considers it eminently sounder
than that which Hughes seems to endorse.
After being exploited for years by foreign
capitalists, it would, indeed be sad thing
for the Mexicans to be slaughtered by
American troops, and while we owe it to
our nationals to protect them in their per-
sons and property in Mexico, we also owe
it to humanity not to restore an order that
will perpetuate the robbery of a nation
through venal concessions; an exploitation
to continue which the assassination Of
Madero was planned and the elevation OF
Huerta accomplished.
Regarding the European question, il
would be the height of folly to change gov
ernments at this time. Who knows what
the next six months may bring forthi
With Hughes attacking Wilson's foreign
policy, which has been characterized by Z
firm and dignihed, if not bellicose stand
and the result of which has been peace
neither the entente nor the central powers
would know how to take Us in the event o.
Hughes election fact which the indie
pendent voter will lay very close to heart
With Republican president and Dem
ccratic senate, the efficacy of the nationa
government would be greatly impaired
Only national landslide could change tn,
complexion of the senate, and Landslide
even the Republicans are not attempting t,
claim.
OF course, Wilson's past record, an,
what the Democrats have actually done
no matter what mistakes may have BEEF
lie, will be weighed well by the indepen
voter, who is as averse to senseles
ceaseless carping in political life as h
private. No one loves knocker-
who finds faults where no faults are t
lound, who ignores virtues that ar
obvious. and proposes nothing definite c
his own
What, indeed, are the so-ca1led issues c
Americanisr-prepa the Lusitanis
Mexico-but ruse to throw the public o.
the scent? OF course, the Old Guar
would laugh at the idea OF putting til
tariff publicly in politics-they know tia
the tariff is no longer anything to coniur
by, that the people know little too niue
about the infant industries which hav
4 - II