The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1922-05-15

Special Dispatch to THE New York HERALp
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. ID. c.. May IA.
The best political minds in and
out of Congress are compelled to adj
init complete ignorance as to the
workings of the voting mind through
out the country
Instead o. adjourning politics to
permit earnest consideration OF. the
public business of TIE country. Sena-
tors and Representatives seeking re-
election are not in the mood to in
dulge in even recess. Public BUSH
when there is a dearth of live and
personally important political topics
TO provoke argument.
puzzling confusion of opinions re-
veals the incapacity of the experts of
both parties to predict with any de-
gree Of accuracy probable eventuali-
ties. The Democratic donkey uncon-
cernedly munches live hand grenade
While tie Republican elephant trum-
pets In terror at the shadow of IN
ina ginary mouse.
One Overshadoyving Question.
Both herder and mahout grasp at
vagrant straws whipped by capricious
political winds to find an answer to
the one question that each has in mind
but neither propounds. This question,
expressed in different forms. comes to
this: -.5v- TOY
Is the progressive spirit ac-
claimed by Theodore Roosevelt
and Woodrow Wilson really dead
or can 1t be regenerated to the
discontinue Of both Of the major
political parties?
Out OF all the discussion of prevail
ing political conditions one fact stands
revealed:
The leaders Of both parties realize
there is great deal OF dissatisfaction
among the people. The Republican
leaders concede that the voters who
combined to give their party an I'M
precedented majority two years ago
have been disappointed with the re-
suits. The Democratic leaders, whose
mental processes are not governed by
NH'' tiiOtiVfS, tOiiiCSS tHt IdlIuT6 Oh
ther party to take advantage of the
natural trend of public resentment
against any administration in an "off
year" Both are apprehensive of the
effect of the Independence OF thought
expressed by the voting citizens in
comparatively unimportant political
occurrences that have been magnified
out OF all proportion 70 fit convenient
theories.
Tendency OF CoDgressmen.
The tendency of national legislators
OF both parties TO ignore traditional
policies involving concrete and definite
principles and seek the favor of the
voters OH individual grounds has made
some of the party leaders apprehen-
sivc of tho consequences to their re-
spcctivo organizations.
One of the leading Republican chief
tains concurs in the statement OF a
Democrat of equal experience and
prestige that "the progressive move
ment launched by Theodore Roosevelt
came ten years too SOON" There is an
equal harmony of view that If leader
could be found to-day to organize a
similar enterprise lit would stand both
parties on their heads"
This thought has found Judgement
and proved disturbing to the minds O.
more statesmen at the national capital
than will admit the fact. Democratic
leaders. who would naturally assist In
the promotion OF any political move
ment that would destroy the energy
now enjoyed by their conuuerors OF
two years ago. appear to be more OPP
flnijstc as to the chances for such
n contingency than their Republican
associates.
The Democratic leaders are hopeful
that such a movement will como
about: some OF their Republican as
sociates are fearful that II may.
The basis for both hope and fear
in this respect is really confined to
o single development OF tangible char
actcr---the personal victory of Albert
J. Beveridge over Harry s. New for
tho Republican Senatorial nomination
In Indiana.
Beveridgc Victory Analysed.
Mr.. Beveridgc's impressive triumph
was misintcrpreted by both Democrats
and Republicans Following the un-
successful attempt OF the agricultural
groups to stage a third party move
nent three months ago. the victory of
Mr.. Beveridge was hailed as proof
that there still exists pronounced
demand for new venture in politics
or at least one that would instance
the desire Of voters for some vehicle
like that provided by the late Col.
Roosevelt.
The Democrats obviously figured
Continued on Page Five.
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