Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 January 1902 — POLITICS OF DAY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

POLITICS OF DAY

Republicans Ignore the South. The Republicans in Congress who have planned to reduce the South's representation because certain States have adopted constitutional provisions denying to ignorant negroes the right to vote, may well ask themselves why the black belt has not produced n man worthy of a place in the Cabinet. Attorney General Knox and Postmaster General Smith are both from Pennsylvania. Mr. Smith’s resignation leaves that State with but one Cabinet member, but the appointment of Governor Shaw to the Treasury portfolio will give lowa two members, Hon. James Wilson, secretary of Agriculture, being a resident of that State. Missouri has a cabinet member in the person of Mr. Hitchcock, but with that exception the entire South is without a place in the President’s official household, despite the fact that one State in the North or West is accorded two members. If the President felt any interest in the party in this section, would he not put himself in closer touch with the Southern Republicans? It is remarkable that in the thirtyfive years in which the RepuDlican party lias had opportunity to grow in the more Southerly States it has produced only two or three men who were deemed deserving of Cabinet places. If the Republicans so ignore their brethren in these parts, it must be for cause. The explauation is easily found. All that is needed is to take a look at Southern delegations in national Republican conventions, to note the conglomeration of small caliber white men and the swarms of ignorant blacks wh6, in the main, are clamorous for spoils. So soon as the convention adjourns the door is slammed in the faces of these Southern brethren and they have no part in national councils. Yet certain Congressmen are insistent that the Southern States should permit these blacks to vote, regardless of their ability to read. The Republicans have no use for the negro except in campaign years, and men who are perfectly willing to do all in their power to make the black man a source of annoyance to the white people of the South give him neither social nor political equality in the real Republican family gathering in Washington City.—Atlanta Constitution.

Roosevelt's Inconsistency. The President has shown himself a great stickler for discipline where others are concerned, but in his own person he has shown that he has no more regard for military regulations or etiquette than he has for the dirt under his feet. There could be no more <flagrant proof of his contempt for military restraint than was shown by the Presidentjvhen he was merely Colonel the “rough rider,” of the volunteers in the war with Spain, when he signed, if he did not indite and originate, the “ropnd robin” at Santiago. This club takes pleasure in sending you an Invitation to attend Its eleventh annual banquet. The grand success attending the ten former banquets of this club, is assurance positive of the character of this one. Tills year special efforts have been put forth to make this the most brilliant and successful yet given by the club. At our last banquet it was demonstrated that although defeated, the Democrats of this section of the country were not demoralized nor even discouraged. The club is therefore endeavoring to make this banquet memorable as the anniversary of the day and place where the rallying of Democratic forces commenced after the defeat of 1900. Many eminent leaders of our party have been invited nnd already acceptances have been received from Congressman D. A. DeArmond, of Missouri; Congressman John W. Ball, of Texas; Congressman J. Hamilton Lewis, of Washington; Hon. Carter Harrison, of Chicago; Hon. W. H. Kelliger, of Auburn, Neb.; Hon. C. J. Bowlby, of Crete, Neb., nnd the Hon. Frank T. Ransom, of Omnha, Neb., and others prominent In the councils of the Democratic party, who will be present and respond to patriotic sentiments. The discussion of the future policy of our nte, the “round robin” at Santiago.— New Orleans Picayune.

Hanna Candidate for President. The spirit of brotherly love that exists between Senator Hanna and his ndhcrents and those ,who have allied themselves with the Foraker way of the Republican pnrty is aptly illustrated in the following paragraph, from the caustic pen of Editor I. F. Mack, a stanch, stnlwart Republican and a prominent G. A. R. man, which appeared In a recent edition of the Sandusky Register. The paragraph says: “If Hanna is quoted correctly as saying that he proposes to make a fight to the fln]sh for a Presidential nomination in 1004, there Is but one course for Mr. Foraker to pursue that will gratify his friends and that is to take off his coat and make a fight to the finish. It Is time that Mr. Hunnu were taught a wholesome lesson, that Is that he Is not the whole Republican pnrty of Ohio and that there nre other Republicans In Ohio besides Mark Hanna and Ills followers. He Ims had his own way long enough nnd we are not saying this on the strength of anything that Foraker has kver said, but because that is the universal sentiment among thoroughbred, stalwart Republicans in Ohio. Hia course for the past four or

five years has been detrimental to the interests of the Republican party in this State, and everybody knows and his own followers know that he is after the spoils of office regardless of the Interests of the party or the wishes of anybody but himself.’”—Helena Miner.

The Republican Retreat. Some Republican partisans would say that the Republican party never retreats, nnd it seldom does when the fleshpots and the fishes are in sight. But Its history since the Civil War has been a series of practical retreats, and just at this time it seems to be making ready for one of the most shameless inconsistencies of its history. It is important for the honesty of individual Republican thought, and the instruction of the people generally, that the heresy of the party action should be noted, aud It is more consequential to those who do not approve Republican history to observe its present dishonesty. Reciprocity—reciprocal trade relations with foreign countries—was proclaimed by James G. Blaine—one of the most brilliant figures in Republican history—to be the logical pan-American policy, and it was pointed out as a present political duty by President McKinley in his memorable speech In this city in September last. “The days of exclusiveness are past,” said Mr. McKinley, but what does his party say now? And what is the courage of President Roosevelt in facement of the heretofore masterful control of Senator Hanna?

The President in his message does not make more plain a reciprocity policy which all could see was the flowering of the thought of McKinley, but rather does it appear that, with a few pretty adieus, the reciprocity of Republican historic thought will find Its end in the memory of McKinley. The Republican party has frequently suffered from the offensive personality of those whom the chance of circumstance happened to give prominence, but there have been few such situations as the leadership of Hanna now provokes. If Theodore Roosevelt shall follow this politician and eschew the memory of McKinley lie will take his place as the substitute President who missed the golden opportunity of American Presidential history. If he shall command the servitors of capital and the tradesmen of place he will earn and retain a lasting place In the hearts of the people. Parties are necessary In free government, aud partisans disagree, but the President of the American commonwealth to-day is masterful In his power for that popular good which comes from national greatness and depends on no party. With the force and vigor of youth and the strength of personal popularity, Theodore Roosevelt forces American history; as he shall answer his trust to the American people, so shall his name appear therein—master or man.—Buffalo Times.

Democrats Will Win. A dispatch from Washington states that all the members of Congress may he grouped as belonging to one of the two great parties. This, we feel, whatever else may be said by those desiring to bring about discord Is the greatest evidence of a united Democracy. The recent move of Senators Dubois and Heitfleld, of Idaho, in allying themselves with the Democratic party and the retirement of the gold leader, Senator Lindsay, of Kentucky, removes all strife among the Silver Republican, Populists and Democrats and the gold elements, and leaves a united party in Congress. There are 33 Democratic Senators and IGO Democratic Representatives. Surely if the leaders in the national house can unite, Indiana. Democracy should stand to a man for party harmony and thus stnnding success will be ours.—Greenville, Ind., Tribune.

Roosevelt Was Too. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt at the time of the preparation for the Porto Rico expedition brought upon himself the written censure of the war department for his presumption In making derogatory comparisons in a letter to the Secretary of War between other volunteer regiments nnd bis own corps of rough riders. In a sharp letter the secretary pointed out the Impropriety of a volunteer lieutenant colonel recommending the advancement of bis own commnnd by detracting from the merits of other volunteer commands. In attending to General Miles’ indiscretion It would not have been amiss for the President to recall some of the experiences of Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt.—Boston Post.

Appointment of Mr. Payne Criticised. Mr. Payne Is a man whose connection with any political movement In his own State brings discredit to It with the voters. The President, we believe, has made a most serious mistnke, and he has made it without knowing what be was doing. It is past understanding why he was permitted to make It. There are enough men In Washington to know thnt the appointment should never have been made.—Milwaukee Free Press. If William Goebel had been a Republican, and If Taylor wore a Democrat, docs anyone linagluc for a moment that Gov. Durbin would be so wonderfully concerned about the kind of Justice meted out In Kentucky?