The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1922-05-05
THE INDIANA ELECTION.


Tho victory achieved by Albert j. Beverldge
in Indiana Tuesday ia the most hcartonIng po-
utlcnl incident in years. It seems to stand NJ
conclusive proof that direct appeal TO tho
intelligence OF the voters can bo relied on TO
win. doctrine that had como to be universally
rejected by politicians and Statesmen OF both
political organizations. ErgN 1t must be nc
cepted az a direct rcbukc to tho weddings who
have feared Joining Issues and fighting them
out before tho electorate.
Many theories will be advanced concerning
this amazing election result There will bo those
who will profess to sec in II nothing moro than
n personal tribute to Beveridge; and these Will
he partially right There will bo those who will
see In IL a protest against the national admins
traton and these will be partially right. Tho
personality of Bcverldge did enter materially
into the result. because'ho superb ability of the
man has been recognized for years; no doubt
many voted for him with the intention of thus
expressing their dissatisfaction with tho ma
tonai adminls ration. but not along partisan
lines or because OF tho personality OF tho prosl-
dent, so much as because OF the general lack
Of decisive leadership and the type OF politicians
who have gained the presidential ear
In the Judgment OF Tho World Beverldgo
made his successful appeal on principles. It
was his courage In thinking straight concerning
various public questions. his courage in Joining
tho issue directly all these questions that
caused the people to recognize In him leader
promising much greater satisfaction in Amer-
can public life than any now in sight, which
enabled him to win over politicians political
organization and money spent lavshly.
The old line OF cleavage within tho rcpub-
lican party--prosressive w. reactionary--had
ntbI 40 o,.t,h ,ho l.,n al
lection OF the general actions of tho reactionary
element in the republican party. coupled with
the fear that this element sits at the momcrt In
comfortable control of tho administration and
the congress. We supported In this view
by the fact that not OF the old issues was
involved in tho campaign. Every issue was
new: and, as for the railroad question for In
stance. Mr. Beverldgo took the position that
there must be courageous action In behalf OF
the transportation concerns. seeing that Justice
IN done them just as the government must see
that Justice Is done tho aboring man and every
other citizen regardless OF his position in So
cety.
In short. tho Beverldge philosophy Is that OF
tho old Roosevelt square deal Doubtless thou
sands In Indiana in him and his efforts to
come back In American politics. tho consistent
successor of that old leader with whom he
fought so long ana who quietly laid himself
down to sleep at oyster Bay lust when We
needed him most. Just hundreds OF thousand,
OF citizens In other states tho same thing
BE that 1t may, never ala tho republic
need the services of men like Bcveridge as Il
needs them today. II elected In November h,
win speedily become great figure In the son
ate And no will do this. not by intrigue OF
through the activity Of partisan cabai, bu
because of his intellectual appeal To the con
sructive mind of America.
That he will be elected seems certain Thos
republicans who opposed hlm--who fought an,
voted for his antthcsls In tho republican party
New. the hard-and-f fast organization man VIII
delighted 10 bask In the reflected glory of tn
bat In behalf OF constitutional government. vii
scarcely seek to encompass his defeat. Tha
would bring about the downfall OF the party II
the ensuing election.
Beveridge. beyond question we think. viii b
elected to the senate in November by a hand
some majority We dare not sock TO penetrat
the veil II would serve no useful purpose a
this time to undertake to prophecy what IN
public mind will he two years hence. We mcrel
want to reitcrat' an editorial statement whic
was made in these columns soon after Reve
ridge announced his candidacy.
II elected TO the senate At this time, no ma
can say what the consequence viii he. Bot
political ORGANIZATIONS are without adequate
leadership Beveridgo Is designed for leader
ship. lie will face an opportunity that beln
embraced may lead directly TO the presdenc,
in spite OF politicians, intrigue aud tho influ
ence OF vast wealth