Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-06-20
An Impossible Task.

An Impossible lASk.
The note Of doubt in the comment OF
down-State Republican papers as to har-
mony in the Republican party of Delaware
this year is plainly apparent. They seem
to hope for harmony, but not to conf
IDENTIFY expect it,
Now comes the Sussex Republican of
like tone. IL is not a party organ, but
there are indications that it 'opes to be. y
II has been outside the party fold since
the campaign of 1912, when it was radi-
cally Progressive. Last campaign it favor
ed the Independent boilers, but there arc
indications of n furtive desire TO become n
Republican party paper once more, with
complete restoration to favor. And so IT
takes n flier in pointing out how party
harmony may be secured.
But even in such an effort the clemnet
of doubt is conspicuous. THE real test
Of harmony" il says, will come when the
primaries and the selection of nominees
take place. If the Republicans OF the
State arc determined that the mere per
Sonal ambition of one or a few asplrantS,
or the plans OF leader or a few leaders Tor
personal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, shall not be
permitted To affect the harmonious feel
ing now existing, or to divide the party.
then the selection Of nominees may bc
approached with confidence But If, on
the other hand, the ambition of a few is
permitted To create new rivalry, awaken
old animosities and create division, liar-
mony is impossible and defeat sure. The
selection of the nominee for United States
Senator is the centre around which all the
possibilities of the situation rcvolve.
Most assurcdly, and also it is the centre
of disturbance, the rock on which party
harmony is likely to 40 10 pieces Mark the
veiicd insinuatIon OF the above editorial
extract that certain influences, or certain
men, if they should prevail at the prma-
rics. would prove such q discordant Gle
mcnt that there could be no harmony,
and they would be opposed at the polls.
And this promises 10 be the situation even
with primaries honestly conducted
which seems like an impo>siIihty. all must
admit no matter whether tho indepcn-
dent boltcrs or the old Organization should
WIN the verdict of the party voters.
Furthermore. the Sussex Republican
ESSAYS TO set forth the Kind Of man that
should be nominated a~ the Republican
for nitcd States Senator The
nominee. il declares, should be OF such
political experience, and executive ability
ls viii assure tho recognition and consld- |
grafton of all clements Of the Republican |
party IN this State; as will harmonic its |
differences. heal the old wounds, prevent !
new differences and divisions, and weld |
the party into one harmonious whole and |
effective political force
But where will the Republican voters |
be able To find such prodigy and bestOw !,
heir high favor upon him at party |
1t is not possible TO call TO |
mind single Republican Of prominence, |
,ithcr in the Independent boilers faction |
Or in the ranks Of the old Organization,
who measures up TO these declared !
essentials And if the requirements there
n set forth do not exclude every leader Of |
he old Organization. at least in the opin- !
on of the Independent boilers. they mean |
nothing,
And so il Will readily be seen that Re |
publican harmony in Delaware still re-
,oses in the dim vista of futurity, with |
title probability OF being brought into
ctive existence during this years cam
'aIgn