AMERICAN POLITICS

Otago Witness, Issue 3033, 1 May 1912, Page 25

AMERICAN POLITICS

THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN. LONDON, April 27. The Times, commenting on the American presidential contest, states that there is no difference between the Republicans and Democrats so sharply marked as that between the Republican party’s two wings. Will the Republican party appeal to the country as a Radical or Conservative force? Mr Roosevelt’s nomination would imply a Radical-Republican platform, and its almost certain consequence —a Conservative-Democratic candidate. President Taft’s nomination will almost certainly produce a Radical as the Democratic antagonist. The difference between Mr Roosevelt and President Taft is manifested most acutely in connection with the powers of the State courts. The discussion raises the gravest issues. If the political power which the State courts derive from their present rights in interpreting the law he an offence against democracy, will not the time coma when the political power conferred on the Supreme Court by the Federal Constitution also seem an offence? Mr Roosevelt’s policy is calculated to raise these speculations; hence the horror with which it is met. NEW YORK, April 28. Mr Roosevelt, in replying to President Taft, said the latter was giving way to the bosses and other privileged interests. President Taft had been disloyal to his past friendship and also disloyal to ordinary decency and fair dealing. He alleged that President Taft had been guilty of crooiaed dealing because of his

misrepresentations of Mr Roosevelt’s attitude on Trust questions.