The Indianapolis times., 1931-12-03

We trust the Democrats will temper rejoicing
their New Jersey triumph and prospective control OF
the national house of representatives with srecogni-
ton of the real significance of their victory 1t does
not indicate trend to the Democrats" so much as
a protest against the administration.
The political upset in New Jersey and elsewhere
was the expression Of hope that the Democrats can'
and will, do better than the Republicans have in
meeting the responsibilities which accompany polit-
ical power.
Representative Percy Stewart, the New Jersey
victor publicly pledged that vote for him would be
vote against the Hoover policies BY that, it is fair
enough to suppose, he meant repudiaton of tariffs
which have destroyed foreign trade and aggravated
unemployment, failure in admitting and attacking
the depression pusSyfooting on prohibition, unen-
ghtened treatment of problems affecting business,
industry, agriculture, and unwillingneSs to exert
American peace influence in foreign affairs.
Jouett Shouse Democratic executive director, rec
ognizes that it not partisan triumph when ne
says that the electorate voted without reference to
normal party affiliations" But he and his associates
on Capitol Hill must recognize something more.
The Democrats should know by now that they
can not compete with the G. o. P. in sidestepping
issues and they should not want to. That way lies
only temporary success. They should, if only from
a selfish standpoint, face their responsibilities with
the same determination and decisiveneSs Woodrow
Wilson showed in 1912. Now then, they face both
an opportunity and test
They have made a good beginning. Their conquest
has begot caution they did not show when they were
in the minority. Joseph T. Robinson, Democratic
senate spokesman, has capped a record Of unusual
loyalty to Mr. Hoovers policies by discussing new tax
alton in tones which might have been used by An
drew Mellon.
Robinson and his colleagues, they were last
wear are 10th to demand more direct and generous
aid to the unemployed They are in accord with the
archaic rules of the political game playing it safe.
On the house side, Jack Garner, prospective
Speaker keeps an omnous silence. He has not yet
submitted any program, let alone a liberal one, and
his more progressively minded fellows look in vain
for leadership. jack say his friends with knowing
wink is taking no chances and making no mistakes.
But he may be making the mistake Of his career.
Now that they are in power the Democrats are
reluctant to liberalize house rules. They raise the
same objections which once fell from Republican lips
They are, it seems content to wait and attack to
protest rather than to present legislative plan They
question the fitness of Henry T. Rainey for house
floor leader because he dared to demand a general
Ieveling OF tariff barriers. Members who suggest
frank fortnight action being shuSh-shushed
with the warning that they may endanger campaign
prospects for 1882
So it has been left for Representative Bertrand H
snell the Republican reactonary, to get behind the
progressives demand for revision Of the rules reduc
ton of tariffs and showdown on prohibition. If Mr..
Garner is not careful he may find that he has won
not the rewards Of victory but just wooden gavel.