Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-12-15
Friday, December IS, 1922.
ONE OF THE SCHEMES AFooT

ON6 VI sn6 o0'S"6O CISS
President Harding not only b(lieves
in each branch of the Government
functioning in its own sphere, but he
does not favor the Federal Govern
ment doing those things which the
States should do. He would not
have the President assume any Of the
prerogatives Of Congress. and has
been to great length in avoiding it.,
risking il not impairing his popular
ity IN 50 doing. It is equally plain
that he recognizes the inherent ex-
travagance OF Government manage
ment.
Possibly this Is one Of the reasons
the. LaFollette bloc is out to embarass
him in every possible way. He would
like to make best use Of the mach
ineYy at hand, Of the metho(e which
have been tested, though retaining an
open mind to improvements. Men
like 'I.aFollette are temperamentally
opposed to the existing order. They
never have been able to attract at
tention to themselves in the hum
drum performance Of the regularly
recognized duties. They crave the
spectacular as the dope fend does
dope. They only hope to advance
their fortunes through the overturn
Of something.
This class Of so-called publicists
instinctively are opposed to the con-
structive type Of public official as
they are to the constructive methods.
They are in the position Of the player
Of "stage coach" who lacks a seat
and calls for change under cover
Of which he would be able to grab a
place for himself. First they must
get enough players to consent to
take part in tho game, they must
offer inducements. That is what La
Toilette, as usual, Is trying to do. He
talks about a lot Of constitutional
amendments but aside from his de-
sire to have Congress made superior
to the Constitution it may be doubted
whether he has any serious interest
In the various propositions.
Affiliated with him are those who
have long sought Government owner
ship and political management Of the
railroads, the public to pay the bills.
Among these, as all know, are the
leaders OF union labor, thinking to
gain advantage in public ownership
which is not attainable by them I'M
der private ownership. The fizzle of
the Democratic administrations at
tempt has not discouraged them.
They are vet connivlng to that end.
The higher rates made necessary
under the law permitting an adequate
income to the investors in railroad
securities are bringing to them an
ally, the Western farmer. He must
seek markets far from home. The
maintenance Of an American merch-
ant marine should for such reason
appeal to him, but apparently he
hasn't begun to think tn; far. His
mind now Is fixed on the railroads.
lie sees how the Government trans
mits his mail at less than cost and
taxes the public to make good the
deficit. Why notAo the same for his
crops. He is getting enlarged ideas
Of what his Government should do
for him. He Is in a receptive mood
to the ideas Of the LaFollettes.
Their experience in political manipu-
lation extends their imagination
farther ahead and they see more
clearly processes for bringing about
their plans.
If they can secure the repeal Of the
Esch- Cummins law, lower the waltz
alton of the railroads fixed by Gov
eminent experts after years of prac-
ticat investigation. they may be able
to lower the rates. They do not care
whether or not that may be fair.
What those shrewd schemers want
is to sicken the holders Of railroad
securities into unloading them onto
the Government. That done they ex-
pect to be there to take charge. In
order to bring these things about La
Toilette must be able to show him.
self leader who can hold a strong
following. This remains to he seen.
There is a grain Of comfort afforded
by the spectacle of the fellow who
tries to beat the drum, blow the horn
and play the cymbals simultaneously
ana, the fact that he never yet has
given the satisfaction or attracted
the audience which a full orchestra
may do.