The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-06-14
Strict British Policy, More Pro-
lection in Mexico.
Be PROGRESSIVE, is MOTTO
Compulsory Military Training
Plank in DiSfavOr.
Plan Rapid Program OF Human
itarian Legislation.
Try HIGH S. NIu.LER.l

St. Louis. June 14.-The plans of
the administration for meeting the at
lacks of the Republicans and for win
ming over the Progressives have so far
taken shape that it is possible to get
an idea of the points on which en-
phasis will be placed.
To meet the Republican attacks on
its foreign policy, that being the sub
ject upon which the hardest batterinS
is expected, the administration prom
Uses:
A more aggressive attitude towards
Great Britain. to avert the criticism of
discriminatory sternness towards Ger
many. The entire resources of the
state department will be brought to
befr to obtain from Great Britain as
surances of a modification of her at
titude towards American commerce
with neutrals and promises that the
mails will not be molested.
The maintenance of troops in Mex
leo to protect the territory con-
tiguous to the border and prevent
raids on American soil, until the de
facto government has restored order.
This is at least the understanding
which the leaders of the party have
been given and of which they have
brought word from Washington. The
attitude of the administration, as they
reflect il, is that the troops will not
be driven out of Mexico; that the way
for Carranza to insure their retention
tack them and the way to get them
out the quickest is to remove the cause
OF their presence-the unrest and out
lawry that prevails.
That Washington Message.
The message from Washington on
the subject of getting the Progressive
vote is simply this:
BE progressive.
This was brought by Senator Walsh,
of Montana, who conferred with Pres
ident Wilson Saturday night. 1t was
brought again by War Secretary
Baker, who came to st. Louis as a
personal emissary from the admins
tration.
The business of being progressive
is to be carried to considerable length
if the assurances of those who know
are to be taken at their face value.
The Democrats who have to do with
shaping the party's affairs contem-
plate rapid program of legislation
which they hope will be attractive to
the orphan Progressives. 1t includes:
Prohibition of child labor.
An adequate workman's compensa-
ton law
Measures for prison reform.
Adopt Progressive Acts.
There probably will be other laws
along similar lines, if they can be
worked in. These three, however, are
the subjects to which it is now intend
years ago they were among the prop
ositiOns the Progressives demanded.
To a large extent, the need of them
was responsible for the organization
of the Progressive party. The Demo-
Gratis believe the ProgressiVes at heart
still desire legislation of this nature
more than anything else. In their
opinion, the Progressives endorsed
compulsory military education at Chi
cago last week more because Colonel
Roosevelt wanted it than because they
wanted it themselves. And, further
more. they think the Progressives now
care for it less than ever before for
the same reason.
The best Democratic opinion OBJ
taina ble-and this comes from an
authority who is conspicuous for his
ability to analyze carefully and com
pletely a situation, political or other
wise-was expressed in these words:
No Compulsory Training.
a program along the lines of
humanitarian legislation would get ten
Progressive votes where compulsory
training would get but one"
Another important element in the
situation which the Democratic lead
ers do not overlook is that the chances
are against n Democratic congress Civ
ing the country anything like com
pulsory military training. while it
would be reasonably easy to get legis-
lation to prohibit child labor, to pro-
vide for workmen's compensation and
for prison reform. The fact that there
are bills on these subjects. or on sub
Jects allied with them. already in con-
gress. is regarded as a great copven-
fence. II would remove the danger
of criticism that such legislation was
inspired by political eXpediency. A
bill to prohibit child labor in prod
ucts shipped from one state to anoth-
er has already passed the house. a
workmen's compensation bill is on the
calendar of both houses; and a bill ap-
plying the probation system to the
federal courts has been reported by
the senate judiciary committee These
measures. probably amended to meet
the Prosressives' demand, will be
rushed to passage.