The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-12-12
The Future of American Partie

The election of 1882 looms the horizon. The
Democrats lick their chops at the prospect of victory
Republican party which boosted in 1923 that its
dominion meant continued and growing prosperity
More important, however, is the question of the
reconstruction Of the whole American party system
Many contend that it would be a national calamity
for either party constituted win the Presi-
dency in 1882.
BE this it may, there certainly is depressing
unhealthy about American party strife today No vital
issues divide the parties Both have turned conserva-
tive and seek the support of big business There
sharp division of the parties with respect to social
Justice, farm relief the tariff, prohibition and the
like
These important matters, which go deeper than
candidates platforms, discussed inteigently by
Edward M. Salt, perhaps our foremost authority on
American political parties, in article in the Forum
Dr. Salt finds number of fundamental defects
in the American party system today
Cd The two major parties have come to resemble
each other in most of their basic policies and panks
There has been really vital division since the cleo
ton Of 1896 with the possible exception of the abor
tive New Freedom" of Wilson in 1913
% There is ridiculous and illogical heterogene-
ty in both parties. Both Wisconsin and Pennsylvania
Republican states Both Brookhart and Moses
are Republican senator's Similar Inconsistencies exist
within the Democratic fold.
CD The party system rests too rgidy upon a Sec
tiona basis THE Democratic party has been driven
back steadily upon the Solid South. Outside of that
region, it only Kentucky in 1920 only Tennessee
and Oklahoma in 1924. And at last in 1923, even the
Solid South began to crumble'
(D Republican superiority in national politics is
too secure and too pronounced This renders the
party arrogant and unresponsive to social dealism
to the misery of the underdog It defiantly rides
roughshod the poverty and ruin of millions
60 "The Democratic party--rent by internal dis
putes permeated by the psychology of defeat lacking
principles, lacking leadership, and schooled in the
tactics of opportunsm-fails to inspire the necessary
public confidence"
DR.. Salt considers the possibility of the realign-
ment Of parties. He does not see much beyond
political education in the work of the League for
Independent Political Action. It's leaders-liberal
pubcists, parsons and professors-are high minded,
but lack political experience and realism.
Nor is there much hope in a permanent farmer
labor union These groups are divided in basic eco
nomic interests and are divorced too easily from
resoute devotion to a longtime program.
The prohibition issue is an important immediate
nuisance which must be disposed of. 1t temporarily
may disrupt parties but it is not the stuff out of
which we can build permanent party rebellion
reconstruction.
Dr. Salt believes that the tariff furnishes the real
hope 1t is issue of immense political and indus
trial significance 1t longer is poisoned by section
alsm Many classes and sections interested vital
ly in both free trade and high tariff.
Here is the real chance for rehabilitation of the
Democratic party if it repudiates the Raskob-Shouse
espousal of high tariffs.
IF they recant subscribing once more to the prn-
cples of Clevelands famous message, and take some
moderate stand the question of power control, an
ancient and honorable name may be saved from ex-
tinction."
If they do not. then the ball is in play for new
party with imagination and realistic leadership