OCR Text |
Show Words and Actlona. "The thing that sinks deepest In my heart Is the charge that I am nn oligarch and don't believe In the ability abil-ity of tho people of the I'tilted Stales to govern themselves. If there Is anything that I have prldn In, It U I hat I am an American citizen and a part of the American government that has shown Itself the finest and best and most beneficial In the world." From President Taft's speech In Newark. A fine Sfiitlment, but how do the president's actions dovetail wltb bis words? Mr. Taft opposes the recall of Judges because the "passlona of the mob might bo Inflamed'' and great Injury In-jury done to tho Judiciary. He opposes the Initiative and referendum refer-endum because "the people do not always know what they want" and are subject to "unwise leadership." : He la against tbe popular election of United States senators, preferring their election by delegated represent atlves of the people rather than by the people direct. And thus It goes through the whole list of questions In which tbe people are clamoring for the right to ex-presa ex-presa their vlewa directly. Mr. Taft Ih opposed to such an expression, almost al-most without exception. He la against a pure democracy. Whether he It right or wrong In his attitude Isn't an Issue. Tho big consideration Is that Taft ahould not pose as a believer be-liever In tbe ability of the American people to govern themselves and by ; his every act show that he has no ; confidence In the people, acting In Ihelr Individual capacity. |