The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1918-07-20
REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS.

N Vow Of the way in which some Of the Bolshevk ele-
ment OF The Democratic party in Congress has from
tine % tme during the past year tried TO obstuct the
Executive department Of the government in a vigorous
conduct OF the war; and also in view Of the effort some not
10 vel Informed Democratic newspapers have been max
ne b inject the issue Of patriotism the congressional
campaign this fall. would be good thing if it were
possible b put copy Of the speech Elhu Root made at
~ aie conference Of Republicans held at Saratoga. New
York his week inlO the hands Of every voter.
Few mm n public or private life in America right now
can slae legal political proposition in fewer words or
clearer manner than this veteran Republican statesman who
h, served his country in many high positions and always
with distinction. What he has to say about the existing
political situation has all the weight because last win
~ Uhsn mal fy politicians and organs Of the me too
oI1H were attacking the conduct Of the war; then admit
lc going badly under the mistaken impression that they
WlI, doing the Republican party good turn. the voice Of
Rect was one Of The FIRST that was raised in protest and
n appeal that the administration be given loyal support
q difficult task BY men Of all parties Il was not there
ioIA merely 10 bring down the cheers Of partisan con-
scniion thal Mr.. Root among other things said:
"The proper conduct Of the war requires
loyal Republicans In Congress. No govern
mene can anord to 80 on without the tests and
CRITICISMS OF policy and performance which can
hardly be furnished during the continuance of
His war except BY putting Republicans in
Congress.
with the tremendous power which the ext
gencies OF war have vested in the executive
branch Of the government, 1t Is very difficult
for legislative members Of the party in power
70 express. or indeed to form, Independent judg-
ment, and to subject measures proposed for
legislation to the process OF correction and inn
provement by discussion and amendment
yc; without this, terrible mistakes are certain
TO be made.
"A study Of recent legislation will show that
the independent support Of the Republicans in
me senate ana in the House given to every
forward step Of the President in the conduct
o. the war. not because a party leader told
them TO give II. but because their loyalty and
Judgment constrained them to give it. has
been OF the highest value.
mo nation can dispense with the kind OF
Independent and fearless service which was
rendered BY Augustus Gardner. Of Massachu-
eeus. when ne led the night for preparedness.
ana oy Julius Kahn. Of California. when he led
the House of Representatives in the passage
of the selective draft act.
1t is moderate statement that large part
Of the Democrats who exercise power in Wash
inston are not very familiar with the vast and
complicated industry and commerce and
finance which underlie the taxpaying power
OF the United States. Nor are they very SYM
pathetic with the men who are engaged in
mat industry and commerce. anu finance
There arc some men among them who seem TO
teel mat an element Of punishment may prop
cry be included In taxation. That Il dan
serious N the highest degree. Taxation should
oe absolutely controlled by the purpose to
raigo me necessary revenue and preserve the
sources Of revenue BY fair distribution of the
burden. and unless there is independence and
courage to Insist upon this principle we are
liable TO be hampered In the war by a-sharp
decline In our power to raise money.
There 10 another reason for sending Re-
ylo1eans 70 Washington arising from the
4 eject upon American political and social insti-
tutlonB Whieh must result from the measures
necessary 70 carry on the war.