hy Dead 
has 
While, apparently, 
the problem has been simplified practically the situation 
Tue Pourrica, SrruATION in Massachusetts 
cleared somewhat during the week. 
is not much changed. The failure of Foss to qualify for 
the Republican nomination eliminates him from the pri- 
mary contest in September and limits it to Colonel Ben- 
ton and Congressman Gardner. The Democratic nomi- 
nee, Walsh, is already in the field, working,—not for the 
nomination, but for the election. ‘The Democratic party 
has put up “a slate’ and in direct defiance of the spirit 
of the direct primaries act. The party leaders are forc- 
ing a “frame up” upon the rank and file of the organ- 
ization. It cannot be contended that “the slate” is ob- 
jectionable to the party. Nevertheless the real intent of 
the primaries has been defeated by the Democratic state 
machine. By this means they have an advantage in get- 
ting down to real work for the election now, instead of 
the day after the results of the primaries are declared. 
The Republican party is having a wholesome contest that 
will redound to the good of the party and whichever con- 
dered than is now being rendered in the contest between 
Colonel Benton and Congressman. A. P. Gardner. It 
will rebound to the good of the party and whichever con- 
testant wins he will have a larger and more enthusiastic 
support than if the Republican nomination had been “‘a 
simple hand out” by the machine. Colonel Benton rcsents 
Congressman Gardner’s entering the field, but he must 
not object to the Congressman doing what he himself did 
but a year before. He was a “last leap” candidate when 
the public supposed the entries had all been made. Con- 
gressman Gardner will probably win the contest which is 
certain nevertheless to be a severe one. But in the event 
of Colonel Benton’s winning he will be a stronger can- 
didate than he otherwise would have been if it had not 
been for Congressman Gardner’s contest. ‘The best thing 
the party could have, a spirited contest, is now on and 
the early days of November will prove it. But then there 
is Foss! How can one who has followed the careful gen- 
eralship of the present Governor believe that he could 
have been so negligent as to have failed in so simple a 
matter as the number of signatures on a nomination pa- 
per. He is a more careful politician than that. No one 
knows what he will do. He certainly has not fallen be- 
tween two stools. He has thrown off his Democratic af- 
filiations and has effectively intiinated his determination 
to stand with the Republican party. Governor Foss is in 
4 position to see and know and pick a winner. No one 
realizes more than he that true progressiveness is to be 
found within the ranks of the Republican party. Essex 
county will-undoubtedly sustain its own candidate, Con- 
gressman Gardner. 
THE WEEK-ENDER has been blessed with good wea- 
ther this year as every Sunday since June 13 has been 
pleasant and warm. In fact every one of the Sundays 
have been warm, some very warm. 
3ACK TO ScHoor,! Alas—Happy parents, reluctant 
teachers, rebellious pupils. 
THe RETIREMENT of W. Cameron Forbes from the 
office of Governor-General of the Philippines will be a 
distinct loss to our government in that dependency. Gov. 
Forbes succeeded a strong man in power and under his 
administration the gains already made there have been 
held and a progressive policy, productive of good results, 
inaugurated. So successful has the administration of af- 
fairs been that the Philippines have long since ceased to 
command first page attention in the news of the day. The 
Philippines came to the United States by the strange for- 
tunes of the war for the liberation of Cuba and this un- 
wonted charge has been no small problem. It is difficult 
for a ruler to properly govern a nation already discip- 
lined and capable of self-government, but to assume the 
government of an untutored, undisciplined people such 
as the Philippinos and govern them peacefully and suc- 
cessfully is a problem worthy of a great mind. Gov. 
Forbes has had a dual problem, the administration of the 
government as the Governor-General and the greater 
problem of developing the native race, by education, exe- 
cutive training and opportunities for service, to that con- 
dition of mind and spirit which would permit self-govern- 
ment. Forbes has succeeded signally in both depart- 
ments of his work and recently Harvard University 
bestowed upon him an honorary degree in recognition of 
the constructive work which he rendered on the islands. 
Governor Forbes is a valuable man and his services in the 
interests of the United States Government ought to be 
required in the near future for some other responsible 
position reauiring tact, constructive ability and executive 
diplomacy of a prgressive type. 
Ir 1s UnNFortuNaATE that the Lind mission did not 
succeed in doing all that was intended. It was not a fail- 
ure, for it demonstrated to the Mexican government ami 
to the world the determination of this government to gain 
its ends by peaceful means. It has delayed the day of 
forced intervention. It is certain that the way will open. 
We cannot afford war! The situation is still serious. 
Peace is of importance and the Monroe Doctrine will and 
must be followed. With these two difficulties on hand 
the United States government is not without its cares. 
Ir 1s Evipen’ that the educational value of the mo- 
tion picture is being recognized. ‘This valuable machine 
will in the near future prove of inestimable value for 
certain forms of instruction. "There ought to be some 
way in which the public may enjoy the benefits of this 
wonderful invention of Edison without being obliged to 
put up with the cheap degrading atmosphere of a nickel 
amusement place. 
Tur Eptscopar Cuurcu has determined to raise a 
pension fund for its superannuate ministers. It is hoped 
that this may be accomplished during this generation. 
Tue Roustnc Wetcomer that Congressman Gardner 
received at Danvers was not unexpected. He has no in- 
ertia to overcome in this vicinity. 
