The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-21
THE PARTY OF PROGRESS

There is considerable speculatlon III national political circles as to the fu- ture of the third party which went down in emphatic defeat November 4. It is stated that none of the leaders who were rejected with LaFollette are willing to abandon hope for a strong, lnde- pendent third party. But the outlook for such an organization on permanent basis is anything but likely. Certainly a party established on such doctrines as were advocated by Senator LaFollette stands no chance of success, because most of these doctrines are founded on unsound economic theories and find no sympathetic reception with the American people. Leaders of the LaFollette party who figured on capturing large labor and farm vote learned that these groups are not ignorant, nor so easily misled as formerly.
 There are labor leaders who hold that more can be accomplished by concentrat- ling their efforts within the old parties than by fighting the old parties with separate organization. Some such idea is supported by certain leaders of the element which seeks to obtain the sup port of the farmers. In the recent cleo tion, moreover, it was demonstrated that the discontent of both the farmers and the wage-earners was exaggerated by those who undertook to capitalize it. Neither the farmers nor the wage-earn- CTS in any large numbers deserted the old parties to follow the new organiza- tion.
 The fact is that third parties as a rule have enlisted little permanent sup port from the American people. The history of the third-party movements shows that they are largely the develop ment of ambitions of selfish politicians seeking public favor. The average American citizen understands that there is ample machinery in the existing gov ernmental system for the institution ot needed relief or reforms, and that there is no need for violence to our funda- mentals of government.
 Certain needed reforms can be, anc | frequently are, made possible by a bal ance of power in one of the old parties That does not indicate any need for g third party; but rather such a political factor or influence within one of the old parties as will put the other on its igood behavior in matters of legislation The most constructive legislation resting upon the soundest economic theories in governmental affairs is more apt to grow out of nearly evenly matched forces, each stimulated by rivalry to meet the public needs and safeguard the public welfare.
 There are two main political tenden. cies in the United States. One is com, bination of reactionism and conserva' tism and is governed in great degree by the fear that progress means financial floss. Behind such bulwarks are en- trenched the forces that would stay progress in order to levy tribute upon the people. The other political tendency which is the one that eventually tri- umphs, is the impulse to go forward, te progress along enlightened and construc tive lines. It is a tendency towards equalizing the social inequalities that are made more pronounced and oppres sive by reactionism. The more stub bornly progress is resisted, the more irresistible does it become. A triumph for reactionism is temporary. A trl umph for progress is permanent. The hope of progressive success lies with the party that is freest from reactionisn and tender solicitude for selfish interests The Democratic party stands for con structive progress, and it is believed that under it's banner will eventually march the great popular throngs that seel Legitimate goals which lie ahead and not backward.
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