Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 121, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 May 1918 — A GOOD DAY’S WORK. [ARTICLE]

A GOOD DAY’S WORK.

‘ Indiana Republicans made a very creditable showing in their state convention yesterday. Although there was plenty of partisan “pep,” this did not transcend the bounds of propriety, and probably went no farther in the political appeal than the Democrats will dp when their turn .comes. -* The truth is that the party is divided on the question of criticism. Some are for a much more savage line of attack upon the Federal administration than seems wise to others, and as a matter of fact nobody knows which side is right, particularly as a choice of policy in going before the people. We can tell better about this as the campaign wears on.- Throwing bricks at the pilot house is always dangerous, both in its effect on the war and in the reaction from the people. Yet we all know that the Democrats, under the* President’s leadership, are capitalizing the war for all it is worth for partisan purposes. Their general idea is that we must all vote the Democratic ticket or be branded as slackers or traitors. This -is enough to make the blood of any honest man boil with indignation, as Senator New’s does, but it is perfectly clear, on the other hand, that the Republicans will be quite as alert on either side. It is great pity that President Wilson accentuates the party aspect of the war so strenuously, for it encourages the unreasoning element Of his party to say and do some very ridiculous things. Fortunately, the sound judgment of the American people and above all the saving sense of humor will enable the voters to For every Republican who carries separate the wheat from the chaff, partisan criticism to an offensive dangerous extreme, there will 'be some equally demented Democrats, calling down maledictions upon any who have the reasonable inclination to vote the Republican ticket. Yesterday’s speeches were above the average in tone and effectiveness, and the platform correctly represents the best Republican feeling of loyalty and determination to win the war and accept no compromise with the military masters of Germany. When we reflect upon the pacifist advisers that surround the President, it is easy to fancy that right here may prove to be the great work of the Republican party when the end of the war draws near. It may take a lot of resolution to keep the administration from making peace before Germany has been made incapable of bringing another war like this upon the world. Many things may happen before November, however, to change very materially all the aspects of the political situation. It seems clear that the period of delay and inefficiency is passing into one of marvelous productive development. Most of the things complained of have been corrected. By fall, we may all be thinking of something else than the mistakes of Baker and Creel. It is impossible to predict with safety much\of anything about the drift of politics three or four months hence, especially if our homes should be darkened with heavy casualties. The wise plan is not to get unnecessarily excited and try to fix the battle ground so far in advance. With a good ticket and a formidable array of fighting men, the Republicans can afford to await the developments with patience and confidence.— Indianapolis Star.