From the Editor

My faith in Republicans is never disappointed; they always let me down. In the hours since Mr. Clinton’s “deficit reduction plan” was succeeded by his “health plan” as the saving grace of our civilization, the press has been full of Republican moderation.

Leading senators, allegedly Messrs. Dole and Chafee, recognize its popular appeal, the need for action, the risks of obstruction. They favor a bi-partisan approach, a share of responsibility for governing, a piece of the action. They deprecate root-and-branch opposition, ideological responses, the wild men on their own side. And they are clearly heading for the kind of compromise Disraeli described 150 years ago as “Tory men, Whig measures.”