JUNKING MACHINES

"The old order changeth", as they say-at least where the Republican party is concerned. The primary elections of that organization in Pennsylvania have resulted in a complete upset; the Old Guard candidate for governor, supported by the strongest political organization in the country, has been defeated by Gifford Pinchot, disciple of Roosevelt Progressivism. Mr. Pinchot in his campaign attacked the extravagance, inefficiency, and machine rule of the administration under Governor Sproul, and in so doing obtained the support of that part of the voting population which looked forward to political "cleaning up". But for that very reason he also had the opposition of the powerful political machine built up by Senator Penrose. And, according to all predictions, he should have been defeated by a majority of one hundred and fifty thousand.

When this incident is relegated to the archives of the Republican party, with it will be consigned the victory of Mr. Beveridge over Senator New in the Indiana primaries held a few weeks ago. Although the result of this election was neither as unexpected nor as significant as the election of Mr. Pinchot, it is important as being likewise a triumph for the progressive Republicans over the reactionary element. Together, the two primary elections show the existence of a wide spread dissatisfaction with present Republican politics.

Of course we cannot expect the G. O. P. to blossom out suddenly with a model political organization; but undoubtedly the unexpected showing of strength on the part of the progressive element will be a lesson to those Republican leaders who are blind to signs of the times. Politicians are not hesitating to comment and have expressed many enlightening ideas. "The results in Pennsylvania indicate a political revolution", announces Senator Borah; and W. Harry Baker, Secretary of the Republican State Committee, exclaims: It was the women who did it".