Timely Topics

The Renaissance of Agriculture in the United States, by William C. Brown, is a thoughtful comparison of agricultural conditions in the earlier days of railroad development as contrasted with those of today. The opening up of new land in the far west has reduced values of land in New York, Pennsylvania and New England. A similar reduction in the value of land and of its products was felt in all parts of the world as railroad construction increased. Now, however, conditions in this country are the reverse of those in the earlier years. Mr. Brown, who is President of the New York Central Lines, one of the largest systems of transportation in the world, gives telling statistics showing the rise in prices of commodities during the last ten years. He calls attention to the favorable climatic and natural fertility conditions of the United States. A comparison that should arouse consideration is made between agricultural methods and cost of production here and in Great Britain, Germany, and other European countries. The writer urges the need for agricultural experiments of a scientific character and a campaign of education.

Patriotism, by William D. McNulty, is a thoughtful study of a subject in which the peoples of all nations are interested. Mr. McNulty traces the evolution of the true patriot from the disturbers and agitators who demonstrated their patriotism by bloodshed and he shows how the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution engendered a new spirit of liberty. A patriot became one who fully understood the meaning of the words that "all men were born with equal rights." In the founding of this Republic "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity" became a reality, and patriotic men

rallied around Washington to frame the Constitution. Since then Americans have been always preeminently distinguished by a devoted interest in their country, a patriotism that finds expression in a variety of ways. This fact has largely influenced our political life, and contributed to the stability of our gov

ernmental institutions and national ideals. The article is particularly timely, in view of the approaching national elections when party feeling will, as usual, run high, ours being a government of parties, but when there will be afforded a new opportunity for the exercise of the spirit of true patriotism.

Why Taft Should Be Renominated, by William B. McKinley, reviews the accomplishments of the present administration in such a way as to form a strong line of argument for the renomination of the President. Congressman McKinley in this article refers to some of the notable achievements gained under President Taft's lead. The appointment of a Tariff Board, reforms in the administration of the Government departments; the establishing of Postal Savings Banks; progress in the construction of the Panama Canal; admission of the new States of New Mexico and Arizona; the Treaty with Japan; Treaties with South American countries; the abrogation of the Treaty with Russia; the Arbitration Treaties with Great Britain and France; these are a few of the many achievements that in Mr. McKinley's judgment should place the stamp of public approval upon the present administration and entitle its chief to renomination, thus sounding the watchwords of peace, progress and prosperity.

Why the Democratic Party Should Nominate Champ Clark for the Presidency, by Lafayette Pence, enthusiastically sets forth the achievements of the Democratic leader and the reasons why he is the strongest candidate that could be nominated by his party. Mr. Pence traces his leadership since 1904 and shows that "The Democracy Despondent became the Democracy Militant, and in November, 1910, the Democracy Triumphant," largely owing to the speeches of Champ Clark, copies of which were circulated everywhere. His warning in 1910 that the real issue of the campaign was the high cost of living stirred the people, and resulted in the election of Democratic Governors in many States that were regarded as Republican strongholds. His fitness and availability for presidential office are second to none in the opinion of Mr. Pence, who believes that he would make a strong incumbent in the White House.

Judson Harmon of Ohio a Man of Deeds, not Words, by Robert M. Dittey, is a forceful character sketch of a public man of nation-wide reputation and a potential possibility on the

Democratic side in the forthcoming presidential nominations. Mr. Dittey traces the successful career of Governor Harmon, showing that he has always hit out from the shoulder and attacked the guilty, no matter how highly prominent might be the persons involved. The following is a famous epigram of Governor Harmon's: "Guilt is always personal; so long as officials can hide behind their corporations no remedy can be effected. When the Government searches out the guilty man and makes corporate wrong-doing mean personal punishment and dishonor, the laws will be obeyed." Twice elected Governor of Ohio, he has transformed conditions in the State so that cases of betrayal of public trust have been greatly diminished. Progressive legislation has marked his administration, among other measures having been laws relating to taxation, public service commission, workmen's compensation, salary loans, and many other important subjects. As a Democratic candidate for President he would be certain of Ohio, and he is the only Democrat who, according to Mr. Dittey, could carry both Ohio and Indiana.

Why the Nation Needs Theodore Roosevelt, by Joseph M. Dixon, shows the preeminent claims of the former President to be again placed at the helm of State to grapple with the problems that confront the nation. Senator Dixon reviews some of the great achievements of Mr. Roosevelt during his seven years' incumbency and calls attention to the fact that under his successor there has been a lack of positive leadership and statesmanship that has resulted disastrously for the Republican party and produced "a condition of business bewilderment which has halted the prosperity of the whole country." This has given rise to a nation-wide demand for the nomination of Mr. Roosevelt, who in his notable speech at Columbus, Ohio, struck the keynote of the presidential contest. His record in the past leads Senator Dixon to believe that he will nominated for President at the next Republican National Convention.

Some Reasons Why Woodrow Wilson Should Be the Democratic Nominee, by William F. McCombs, emphasizes the claims of Governor Wilson to consideration as a strong Presidential candidate. Mr. McCombs shows that the Governor has for a quarter of a century been a profound student of the problems of practical government and a prolific writer and speaker thereon. As President of Princeton University and as Governor of New

Jersey, he has consistently stood for true democracy. The experience gained in the presidency of that great institution of learning was a special preparation for official life and gave opportunity for evincing the extraordinary personality of the man. Mr. McCombs enumerates some of the legislative achievements of Woodrow Wilson as Governor; explains his methods in dealing with public questions; and concludes by expressing the belief that the Democratic party will "not neglect this splendid opportunity of elevating to the high office of the Presidency a real statesman and a great patriot."

Why Oscar Underwood should be elected President, by John H. Bankhead, lays emphasis upon the special qualifications and experience that make the present Floor Leader of the House of Representatives "Democracy's best asset." Tracing his career in Congress and analyzing his characteristics and abilities, Senator Bankhead enthusiastically sets forth what Congressman Underwood has achieved and is achieving for his party and the good of the nation. It is argued that as he is trusted as a leader in the making of laws, he can be equally trusted as Chief Executive to execute them, and that the same abilities needed in a leader of the law-making branch of the Government qualify him for Executive headship. Senator Bankhead concludes his article by saying that "every section of the country recognizes in Oscar Underwood that high character, civic virtue, wise and constructive statesmanship and blood patriotism which peculiarly fit him for the Executive Chair."

The Theatrical Business of Today, by Robert Grau, anaylzes. some of the causes of the great slump in Thespian affairs, especially in New York City. The chief cause is the growing popularity and the cheapness of moving picture theatres as compared with the regular theatrical houses. This has indeed led to the latter in many cases reverting to the camera in order to save the financial situation. The increasing number of high-class restaurants that provide entertainment for their patrons; "the intimate theatre" and the "theatre in the home" are all factors that seriously influence the theatrical business today and confront managers with new and startling problems.