politician in the Country, and he unquestionably believes that we
are on the eve of an economic revolution, and that it is better
for the Country that the Republican party should point the way
rather than the Socialists should control the situation and
leader-
ship.
Whatever doubts he may have entertained,- and I am sure they
were very genuine – as to his present success – I think he expected
more popular support than has thus far been accorded him, and must
be somewhat disappointed. At the moment of writing,- though it is
too soon to be positive – his candidacy promises to be almost a
fizzle. The diatribes against him in the newspapers of the East
and in many other sections have been vitriolic beyond measure, and
a perfect chorus of abuse is being vented against him by his
con-
sistent enemies and by most of his grieved quondam admirers.
Curiously enough, the impression (whether logical or not) that he
has not given Taft quite a square
deal seems to have taken hold of
the public mind more forcibly than either the repugnance caused by
his radical propaganda or the dread of a third term. The abuse has
been so overwhelming and bitter the last thirty days under the lead
of the N. Y. Evening Post, N. Y. Herald and Springfield Republican
that one is tempted to retort with the popular refrain of the day:
"You got ter quit kicking my dog around’ *** I don’t care if he
is
a houn'. You got ter quit kicking my dog aroun'."
Taft has become almost an idol,
even in circles where a few
months ago he was reviled. If he is elected President, it will be
on the crest of the wave of revolt from and denunciation of
Roosevelt. He was greeted here last
week with very marked enthu-