The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-05
THE CHICAGO ELECTION

The mayoralty election in Chicago was both revolt against bossism and a turning to the Democratic party. The result was long foreseen, and was perhaps very clearly apparent to Mayor Thompson when, before the primaries, he withdrew from the race. For eight years the William Hale Thompson machine dominated the political situation in Chicago, and even in the state. The first break in power came year ago when judges not approved by the machine were elected by good majorities. The majority was about three to two in favor of Judge William E. Dever against Arthur c. Lueder, who was nominated by a coalition of anti Thompson factions. A remarkable feature of the elc- tion was the casting of forty thousand So- cialist votes as compared with twenty-five thousand, their previous high record. It is not yet evident whether this represents a permanent net gain for the Socialists, or whether it merely denotes dissatisfaction and desire for change on the part of voters who next time will return 70 their regular political folds.
 The situation in Chicago has been a pe- culiar one for some time, and the definite majority approval of the Democratic candi- date Is interpreted as revealing a public sentiment against Republican rule. If the record of Judge Dever as mayor proves to be . wise and popular one, undoubtedly it will go far to keep Chicago in the Democratic lineup in the national elections. There is evidently wide disapproval of the national Republican record, and there Is indication that the record will not be improved during the few months yet remaining before the presidential campaign. The Democrats were defeated before because of the inevitable dissatisfaction with things in general that came as an aftermath of the war, which hu- man wisdom could not have averted. The Democrats were blamed for a condition over which humanity had no control and which reached its most poignant climax in Europe The Republicans, on the other hand, may definitely be blamed for their many and persistent failures to enact constructive leg islation and to utilize the tremendous na- tional opportunities that fairly begged for attention. When they go before the people 1t will not be easy for them to hide their failures or to explain why they did not adopt and follow through statesmanlike policies of national and international import.
 In the meantime, every important politi- cal development, such as that in Chicago, deserves the careful analysis of Democratic leaders, in order that each such develop ment may be fitted into the legitimate Dem ocratic appeal for public support when again the party comes before the people for in- dorsement and reelection. The Democrats campaign can be substantially constructed, and founded on an indestructible basis of wisdom, justice and national interest. Much can be made of Republican failure, not only by pointing out instances of such failure, but also by incorporating into the Democratic platform such constructive policies as will transform such failure into triumphant na- tional success. There is plenty of material with which to build. All that is required IS skill and vision on the part of the builders