New Britain herald., 1922-09-13
POLITICAL INTERPRETATIONS


 POLITICAL INTERPRETATIONS
 Trying to surmise what the result of elections and nominations means is somewhat like attempting to inter- bret the meaning of the Literary Digest poll on the matter of prohibi- ton. The drys point to the fact that a comparatively small number Of votes were cast for repeal of the pro- hibition amendment, thus showing that the vast majority of the people want prohibition in this country. The vets. on the other hand, point to the great vote made up of those who want modification of the Nolstead act and those who want repeal of the amend ment and insist that the vote shows a dissatisfaction with the present state of affairs that is overwhelming.
 Democrats point to the falling off of the Republican vote in Maine, as compared with that vote in 1920, and say that it indicates a strong tenden- cy to turn to the Democratic party; and old guard republicans point to the vote for Senator Lodge, the person. nfication of the old guard as indicat- ing that old-fashioned Republicanism in Massachusetts is more than holding its own Republicans say that the fall ing off of the Republican vote in Maine was to be expected: that never again would there come a time when such a revulsion of feeling as that existing against the Wilson regime and which brought the great vote for Harding would bring a similarly large Republican majority
 Thus the political interpreter can but use his best judgement, seeing the possibilities on both sides and follow ing the conviction that comes always, one way or the other, to one who is inclined to allow his judgment rather than his prejudices, if he has any to influence his interpretation.
 To such one it would seem that, while as large a Republican vote in Maine as that given Harding was not to be expected, nevertheless the Re- publican success in that state was by a far smaller margin than was to be expected by ardent Republicans. even allowing for the natural shrinkage that would come after the Wilsonian tendency had been taught its lesson. The indications are that in Maine there Is a strong Democratic current to be accounted for, quite possibly, by the protest referred to by Senator Borah in a recent speech in the Sen ate. People are not satisfied with af- fairs at Washington and they are pre- pared to show their dissatisfaction. In our own state, while there have been but small indications In lesser tests which, nevertheless, show which way the wind is blowing, this trend has been seen. It is confidently expected by Democratssi this state that this dissatisfaction with the conduct of af- fairs at Washington will be reflected in the fall elections.
 AS to Senator Lodge, and his suc- cess, it is believed that throughout the country the spirit of progress and the desire to support progressive men is growing. Senator Lodge does not represent progress; he is not a pro- gressive man despite his other fine qualities. But Senator Lodge, in Massachusetts, Is a law unto himself, he is not candidate for office" he is an institution. It seems almost like undue familiarity to refer to him as running for office, and the people of Massachusetts feel that way about it. Of course he must go back to the Sen ate say epublicans-and back he will go in all probability. Even progressive Republicans hesitate to press their luck by discarding an institution like Senator Lodge and putting up against . representative of the Democratic party, which, in Massa chusetts has not such institution, a man who has not over and over again received honors at the hands of the people.