Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-11-09
PATRIOTISM WILL RULE CONGRESS.

The Medford Mail Tribune is right in it's contention
that all interests and factions opposed to the government
vote against the administration in times like these. FOR
instance, we do not have to go outside OF oregon TO 1lnd
precincts Of prO-German tendency voting sOlldly repub-
Ican, now, just as they did for Hughes for president two
years ago. This is not because they love the republican
party, but because the democrats are in control and thus
represent the government. Ii the republicans were IN
power all these malcontents and elements Of discomfort
would vote democratic. The Mail Tribune sizes up the
situation pretty well when it says OF the failure OF the
country to respond to the presidents appeal and elect a
congress of his own party will not materially change the
course of events. Nearly all of the republicans made
campaigns upon pledges to support the president. BY
the time the new congress comes into power, the war will
have been over and peace established. Even should the
reactionaries try to organize an opposition TO block the
presidents policies, they will not succeed, for the major
ity of republicans place patriotism ahead OF party. NO
one for a moment questions their absolute sincerity IN
this respect. This talk about a patriotic issue in the cam
paign was political camOuflage. The democrats only
had the best of the argument in that the rejection OF his
party candidates might be regarded abroad as a repudia-
ton of the presidents war policies.
One of the determining features of the election was
the German vote, which except in New York and Mil
waukee, where it supported pro-German socialists pledged
to peace at any price, voted solidly for the republican
ticket. This was the case in every section where there is
a considerable German vote. 1t accounts for republican
success in Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska and other states.
1t accounts for the reelection of Norris, who has opposed
every war measure.
Political revolutions, however, are not undesirable
things in this country. We believe the republican party
stayed too long in power after the civil war and follow
ing the Spanish-American conflict. 1t might be a good
thing to have a republican national administration two
years hence. These changes weaken political machines
and foster independent voting. Long-contlnued power
by one party is dangerous even in a republic.
The election, with its mudsinging and abuse, cannot
however minimize the presidents great part in the war;
the contribution of moral leadership, which has played
as important a role as the military and naval exertlons OF
the allies. 1t has been hailed with delight by our allies,
has created a unity Of purpose that made them irresistible
and has destroyed the power Of the enemy by aiding ma
terially in demoralizing morale and in endorsing autoc-.
racy.
President Wilson has committed America and the al
lies to principles of justice and our ability to stand success
will be proven by our adherence to these principles at the
peace conference 1t is for this reason that the president
must be supported, and probably will be supported by the
new congress--despite continued opposition by the reac-
tionary politicians and beneficiaries of privilege.