The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-10-25
IT LIES WITH THE PEOPLE.

Democrats who watch the progress Of
 the Davis campaign cannot fail to be
 stirred by the courageous fight the cham
 pion of Democracy is waging. Steadily
 and consistently he is winning his way
 into the confidence of the American peo-
 pie. But his efforts are not being so
 ably seconded by outstanding Democrat
 mands. As the Springfield Republican
 pointedly remarks: "Mr. Davis is now
 within two weeks of election day, and he
 has carried on his campaign almost sin glehanded. No Democratic leaders or statesmen of the first rank have yet been conspicuous for the help they have given him. MT. McAdoo, from whom some help was expected, has been completely dis abled by surgical operations. Governor Smith is chiefly engaged in getting re- elected himself in New York state. MT.
 Bryan is now ineffective except in few Western states. There is no Demo :rat helping MT. Davis with the same force and influence that Secretary Hughes exerts in his speeches for President Cool idge." Indeed, when one comes to think of it, there seems to be almost a con- spiracy of silence in MT. Davis's behalf, on the part of those party leaders who should be making every effort to bring about party success. Yet, even in the short time that is left before election, if the leading Democrats in every state would launch an aggressive campaign in support of the party and of MT. Davis, it is inevitable that hundreds of thousands of additional votes would be won to. him throughout the country.
 The Democratic newspapers, in the main, have been most warm in!his praise, vigorous in his support, and constant in their pressing of his claims to popular 
 Although the Springfield Republican supports MT. Coolidge, who is from yet it has these generous words to say in behalf of Mr. Davis: "John W. Davis has struggled against such severe handicaps since his nomina- tion that it is impossible not to regard him personally as gallant figure. If he is to be eliminated from public life by the presidential election, the country will be the poorer" The Republican believes that "Mr. Davis has been embarrassed and handicapped by the Democratic plank as an issue the League of Ma tions." It seems very urgent that the Democratic leaders vigorously bestir themselves in the campaign, or else lose their title to leadership.
 There is one optimistic feature in the situation, however. If MT. Davis wins the election without the active support of party leaders, he will be amazingly as to his choice of advisers and associates in appointive positions. Perhaps no more fortunate thing could happen for the country's good than to have MT. Davis chosen by the people be- cause of his direct appeal to them, and not through any mediation of influential leaders in the various states. He has SHOWH uH1dACSIlHS COuIdBe anu lHSA- energy. He has talked to the people convincingly, and they have come greatly to admire him. The members of the party show evidences of intention to turn out on election day in unprecedented numbers. The people owe it to the party to give support where the party leaders have withheld support. Their reward will inevitably be a government more completely in their behalf than they have ever enjoyed.
 Even with a divided congress, it is be- lieved that MT. Davis's strength of char acter, clarity of vision, soundness of judgment and winning personality would enable him to accomplish things that less gifted man would fail to achieve. But it is almost certain that there will be a working Democratic majority in the next congress. How unfortunate it would be to have Republican president in such situation. How unparalleled is the Demo- cratic opportunity at this juncture. The situation is an actual challenge to De- mocracy to prove it's sincerity by rallying in full strength to it's candidate. There was never a candidate more worthy. The result lies with the Democratic rank and file. If they turn out in force, MT. Davis's election is assured. If not in the electoral college, then certainly in the ,ha1s