Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-05-22

sib!lity. on which the Republicans NAV
hnd occasion for an issue and a fight
is that of the efficiency Of tho admin
istratIon. while all are united on tho
righteousness or tho war and the need
Tor night 10 an absolute finish, there
may be cause for wido and bitter
difference on the methods of the con-
ducl OF tho war. The political atmos-
phere Is not favorable for visibility
JUST now. hut distinct signs Of this
may be d!scerncd by the attentive
reader of proceedings and discussions
III Congress. The President has done
much TO head II off. AS frequently
happens, straightforward, simple pa
iriotism and tho kccnest political
sagacity and foresight. either or both,
would have suggested tho course he
has taken. He has thrown a share of
the responsibility for the government
on the minority party by placing some
OF the strongest members Of IT in posi-
lions Of vital Importance and vast
power and hy inviting its most recent
nominee for the presidency TO conduct
an investigation of the most serious
apparent failure that has been de-
velopcu. The Republicans are further
hindered along this line by an evident
dilemma. If they go before the people
with n threat to refuse TO vote appro-
pria;!ons unless methods are bettered,
cning TO obstruct tho war. Popular
sentiment is for anything and sup
mission to any blunders or sins rather
than that.
They arc indicating. however.
another plan, for use II mono OF the
countless possibilities of the situation
Offers them something better. 1t is TO
so 10 the people pledged to constant
and close supervision OF the manage
n OF NJ
ments and OF relentless and quick ex-
posure OF every miscarriage and FAULT,
tracking down of responsibility to It's
ultimate source and apportionment Of
punishment where 1t belongs. The sue
cess or failure OF such a plan of cam
| paiGn depends on the present admin
| istration.
So far nobody has been blamed Of
| hc!ally for anything. The public has
tendency to believe that when some
| thing goes wrong somebody mus, BIO
! 10 blame. unless the evidence shows
| unavoidable accident. II the Demo-
Gratis fa!l to fix the blame when OBJ
/ riously there Is blame somewhere. tho
Republicans VIII fasten It on tho
Democratic party as whole. There
| they might score strong and win
| nins point. II tho government fails 10
| demonstrate general efficiency in tho
! conduct Of the war or TO expose and
| promptly cure !neMcicncy wherever
| developed. the Republicans will have
| their campaign made for them and
! ready TO their hand. They would not
] need or desire n stronger battle cry
! than inenclency unexposed and un-
! punished. II would give them n COM
/ pcl!ing appeal TO the public with
| promise 10 force efficiency and the
/ speeding UP OF the war To victory
| Unless something not now In sight.
or even Imaginable. arises between
nov and November. the chief. If not
the only. issue between the parties
| VIII be that Of efficiency. Whoever
can offer best assurance OF such man
agerlent and policies as VIII hasten
! complete success will get the verdict.
| The Democratic party has the power 10
act. and with the power the RESPONSE
bil!ty for what !s done and left un-
done. The Republican party dares not
obst:uct. but i, has the RICH, 10
criticize. The more the Democrats
forcs,au criticism with actual achieve
mcnt and with quick and voluntary
exposure and punishment Of every
| serious failure the more surely and
,riumphant!y they will defeat the Re-
publican hopes. The more bogE!ing.
mystery and failure 10 punish de-
l!nGuencies and strengthen weak spots
found in the record OF this admin!stra-
tion between now and November the
stronger the Republican case will be
mo the more imminent the danger OF
political upset It a most unfortunate