The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1918-11-01
The ELECTION OF 1918.

In 1918, in the midst of the worlds
greatest international struggle, the
chief patriotic concern OF the citizen
ship of America is the winning of the
war. This purpose overshadows all
others. and because Americans are so
thoroughly devoted to its fulfillment,
it is vital that the political contsts of
this year should not promote acute
division among the people, or acrl-
monious disputes which might tend to
impair the unity of the nation.
Various proposals have been made
that some way ought to be found
whereby the contests of 1918 might
be avoided. so that we might forego a
political campaign in time of war.
There has been full discussion and
widespread comment upon these pro-
posals It is evident, however, that
under our system of government it is
both impracticable and impossible for
political leadership to be so concen-
trated as to obviate the necessity of
elections this year. We cannot sus-
pend the statutes of states, the fed
eral law of the Constitution. We can
not fill by common agreement vacan-
cies IN the two houses of Congress,
occasioned by the expiration of the
terms OF members, or by their deaths
or resignation. The ordinary process
of law must be pursued, so THAT we
cannot now escape individual respon-
sibility as citizens in the exercise of
our right of suffrage, even though we
might prefer that the war energies OF
the nation continue without even the
slightest interruption by the stress
and storm Of politics. The elections
must be held.
Party conventions and primaries
have been held, and party nomina-
tons have been made. The inevitable
question is now presented as to which
group of candidates can best serve the
national interest, a distinction which
does not in itself reflect upon the pat
riotic motives of either. This dis
tinction is founded in principles of
government worthy of serious discus
sion, even in time Of war, when the
scope and extent of the problems of
citizenship are broadened and enlarg-
ed. Therefore, we meet situation
demanding the best thought of the
loyal, progressive American voter.
With the certainty of political
contest established, it is proper to in
dulge in admonitions to candidates
and their advocates. They must con-
tribute to national unity by controll-
ing their own political methods. They
must conduct their respective cam
paigns in such a way as to eliminate,
as far as possible, all offensive par
tisanship, reducing to the minimum
the friction and political turmoil that
might otherwise result; adhering to
a course prompted by fairness, as
well as frankness, and concern for the
country's welfare, as well as that de-
gree of candor in discussion that in
dividual cases may demand. This
much those engaged in political activ-
ity should undoubtedly undertake to
do, strongly urging upon the voters of
the country the need of placing Amer
icanism above partisanship, and unit
ing to insure the election of Con-
gresham who will Loyalty support the
President in the prosecution of the
war, and who is in full sympathetic
accord with his policies in both peace
and war.
Hon. Jesse D. Price, who is a can
didate for reelection, has proven to
be a man we can trust in these trying
times. He is in full accord with our
great president, and will do all in his
power in winning the war.
President Wilson wants Congress
man Price reelected. It is up to the
voters to stand by his wishes.