Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1921-09-30
The Republicans Fail To Measure
I'm.

The big thing about the Republican State
platform adopted yesterday is the thing
that is not in 1t. Not only does the Re-
publican party fail to indorse. as had been
urged by the more broadminded of the
Republican leaders and by the Republi-
can organs. the plan of reorganization of
the State Government framed by Governor
Richie, and to the enactment of which
the Democratic party has pledged itself,
but it completely failed to present plan
Of its own. 1t found itself unable to criti-
CHE or attack the Democratic plan and 1t
was compelled to indorse certain Of its
features, such as the fewer elections pledge,
but the party goes before the voters with
no comprehensive. concrete, businesslike,
thoueht-out suggestion for the better gov
eminent Of the State and the saving of the
taxpayers money. In other words-it fails
to match the Democrats and it leaves that
party as the only one with constructive
and progressive program in the campaign
about to open.
1t is singular confession Of inability.
A better showing had been expected. IN
able to pick flaw in the Democratic
plan, the Republican leaders we're equally
unable to measure up to indorsine it. The
result is they have given the Democrats a
real issue and very real advantage in
the fight that ought to bring a genuine
response from the independent voters. to
whom the reorganization program appeals
with particular strength.
The obvious thing that sticks out in the
Republican announcement on increased
representation for Baltimore city is its
tlnge Of insincerity. There was no at
tempt yesterday at the convention to dis
guise the fact that the Republicans were
playing politics with this proposition. To
gain supposed political advantage in the
coming campaign they promised Baltimore
city more than at heart any Of them think
there is real probability of her getting
This was evidenced by the exceedingly
frank statements Of a number of Repub-
lican leaders In the committee on resolu-
tons. where the plank as adopted was
denounced as "taffy" and those who urged
II were told that they knew perfectly well
1t stood no chance Of being ratified by the
voters. Further testimony Of the spirit
back Of the plank was given in the remark
Of one of the Republican managers after
the convention: "Of course, it's too much,
but even If 1t gets through the Legislature
we can beat 1t at the polls" The fact is
that the private judgment of the Republi-
can leaders exactly conceded with that of
the Democratic leaders-namely, that two
districts was all Baltimore city could really
hope to get at this time. Their knowledge
of the situation and the sentiment was
exactly as accurate as that of the Demo-
Gratis. Their feeling about the ultimate
chance before the people of 35 or 40 per
cent plan was identical. but they could not
resist the temptation to 60 the Democrats
zone better" on this issue in the hope of
sarnering in enough votes from the guilt
Bile to win in November. 1t remains to be
seen which method Of dealing with this
matter Of increased representation will
most appeal to the people.
Perhaps it was natural for the Republi-
can managers to insist upon some sort of
cantrast between their plank on the sub
ject and the Democratic plank. as failing
that they would have been without any
issue or talking point at all in the city. In
other prospects. when the platformis stripped
Of its customary eulogy of the Republican
national Administration and of Congress
and Of its digs at Governor Richie and the
Democratic State Administration there is
not much left
The plan Of the Democrats for fewer
elections is Endorsed without material
change. and the plank dealing with the
primary election law is little more vague
than that Of the Democrats. but means
about the same thing The big thing is
the utter lack Of any plan or program,
scheme or suggestion which means better,
wiser. more efficient and more economical
government for Maryland. 1t simply is
not there and its absence presents the
Democratic opportunity. Baltimore Sun of
Saturday.