Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-05-17
DEFINITIONS AND DIFFER.
ENCES

bVVtA DShPScNf~ ~ ~@'-
opinion more or less widely prevail
ing to the effect that both the
Republican critics Of the Democrats.
and vice versa have been telling the
truth. Without disputing the point.
whatever may be our convictions, It
would be unfair to let the matter 90
at that, when 1t Is SO evident that
however great the admixture OF
truth in these allegations may be It
doesn't contain the whole truth,
which is essential to correct con-
illusions.
This Is suggested by the criticism
in a communication to the Evening
Sun, Baltimore, of an award made
by that paper for the best defini-
ton of the difference between a Re-
publican and Democrat. 1t ap-
pears the award was won by wo-
man. her answer being:
"a Republican is person who
thinks a Democratic administration
IL bad for business"
10 ~ PStDoh "HO
thinks n Republican administration
Is bad for business"
The writer of the communication.
II seems. would not have so
strenuously objected had this been
applied to the respective parties,
rather than to the individuals maxi
ing up the parties. AS 1t Is, he
considers this definition and the
awarding OF the prize must make
the judicious grieve."
We concur in that conclusion.
Such a characterization smacks OF
fiIppancy as we'll as of wit. Parti-
Fans for the most part are more or
less susceptible to ideals. fortunate
ly. and entertain the notion that
those may be best obtained through
the medium of the political party
they espouse. Some find the flavor
OF Jacksonianism, Clevelandism or
wisconsin. where others detect but
the smell OF loavcs and fishes. The
other way around. sincere thought
OF Lincolnism arouses only the un-
holy glee among the skeptical of
opposite political faith. If per-
chance both--and this is by no
means incredibe-have admiration
for Coolidgeism the effect on the
Democrat is to stimulate his quest
for an equally worthy opponent.
Only the other day the President
ADDRESSING an assemblage of women
advised them not to waste too much
time seeking the ideal candidate.
who simply doesn't exist, but to be
sure and get candidates who have
ideals. This is essential; the dear
people are hungry for sincerity.
eThey often accept the counterfeit
but they do SO under the impress
sion that 1t Is the genuine.
The line OF cleavage between the
two leading political parties Is
neither as wide nor as deep as 1t
was fifty years ago, but it exists
nevertheless. There are traditions.
prejudices and associations, not to
say obligations existing between
the members of great political
party. which cannot ba easily shak-
en- off, and should not be.
Space here does not permit the
iiSting of differences separating
Republicans from Democrats. For
one thing there Is on the Demo-
cratic mind the paralyzii1g in
haence of the conviction that what
eyer the Democratic party may do it
Will have the support OF the solid
South. Then. whatever may be the
convictions of many of its members
respecting our tariff Necessities, q
sense of obligation prevails when
ever opportunity offers to muss up
the tariff laws, which Democrats
think they have to denounce in
otder to get back into Office. In
deed 1t IL doubtful whether it may
yet be truthfully said of the diff
ferences between the two parties
that they are not as deep as a. well
NOR as wide as a barn door.
This much should be said: there
are in both parties majority who
respond to excellent ideals. however
much they may differ In the matter
OF wisdom or skill In applying those
idpals. Moreover. they are not
Democrats or Republicans just
tor the moment and ready to wear
ANOTHER party name should con-
vgnience suggest doing so.