The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1922-03-06
1T ISN'T THE PARTY-TT'S US"

Editor j. H. Benjamin of the Ocala Star has
written classic in reviewing the political history
of the United States and in discussing present-day
economic and social problems 1t is so timely that
the Telegram feels it is rendering a service to its
readers in reproducing the entire editorial, as fol-
lows:
We notice in the Democratic papers the usual
cid stuff preparatory to campaign-denunciaton
of the Republicans for high taxes and high prices,
and promise of relief with Democratic victory.
We should be glad 10 have the campaign re-
suit in a Democratic House of Representatives 1t
would safeguard the South for while from vicious
partisan legislation, but we doubt that it would
make any other difference to the country.
We arc rather surprised to know of any we'll
informed man, at this time, expecting a change in
party control to lessen the pressure on the consum-
er and taxpayer. We can remember back we'll
nigh hfty years, and can certify that the rearguard
Of every administration, far as the cost of living
was concerned, always camped on the ground
from which the vanguard had marched cut The
trumpet has never called retreat for the charges of
expense
In the first presidential campaign we can re-
member, that of lS76. the issues that have func-
toned later-tarif, taxes, currency, etc, did not
come up. The Republican party was On the de-
tensive in that campaign-it its long lease of power
had made it very corrupt; the South, of course,
was Solid fer Democracy and in the northern
states the independent votes were gravitatng to-
ward the Democratic candidates The Republican
party did little but flap the bloody shirt 1t was
defeated, and if Mr.. Tilden had fought for his
rights he would have gene TO the White House
He thought this might bring on civil war, so de-
clined to push matters to decisive point. So
Hayes was inaugurated president. and for four
years pursued cautious and coaciliatory policy
History has not done Mr.. Hayes justice He was
a good man ard made good president and did
a great deal to reduce the bitterness between North
and South
The economic side of the question came to the
front in 1880. The opposing candidates both be-
ing strong union men, the Republican party had
little opportunity 10 sound its slogan of dsloyalty.
1t is probable thai if Cen Hancock had been as
much CT statesman, or rather politician, as he was
a soldier he would have been elected; as it was,
the masses Of the North feared business and indus
trial disaster, and Garfield was elected
Garfield was killed before the policy of his
administration could affect the country one way
or another. 1t was during the administration of
his SUCCESSOR Arthur. that the Democrats began
to make an organized warfare on the tariff, which
they denounced as the root of all evil and the
cause of high prices and taxes The people of
that day knew little of either. The expenses Of
the United States government were less than half
a billion dollars year. State and county taxes
in Georgia were less than one per cent People had
not near SO many luxuries and conveniences as
now. but they had more and better food more
comfortable and durable clothing and, despite the
ten and twelve-hour workdays, most of them had
more sleep.
Mr.. Cleveland in 1884 made his Campaign
on the tariff and the public Office is a public
trust" idea. Mr.. Cleveland was an earnest and
honest man and was elected. Owing to the Sen
ate remaining Republican. there were no economic
changes during his administration Business was
good and taxes and prices advanced but little.
Mr.. Cleveland was defeated in 1888 more be-