The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1915-12-02
Why Wilson Lost Prestige

ear TO talk upon the streets, in shops
and at couatry crossroads, it is mani
fest that the most serious blow Pres
ident Wilson has suffered is not in the
industrial depression Of l913-l4, not
in the mismanagement Of Mexican
affairs, not in the extravaganza Of his
administration, not in his violation Of
campaign pledges though all these
were enough to break the power nf
any ordinary occupant Of a public
office. In spite Of ali these faults and
failings, the American people were
behind President Wilson until they lost
confidence in his sincerity. That
broke the strength that was said TO be
greater than his party"
His advocacy Of repeal Of free tolls
through the Panama canal after pledg-
mig himself in favor Of free tolls, might
be due to new information. His viola
ton OF the spirit OF the civil service
law could be excused by some on the
ground that political pressure was more
than he could withstand. His urgent
support Of a ship purchase plan which
he was pledged to oppose, would be
accounted for by others on the theory
that he had been misled as to the re-
suits to be accomplished. These were
large matters involving intricate prob
lens which a great majority OF the
people have no opportunity to study
in detail.
But there have been a few minor in
cidents which the people could under
stand and which made an imperishable
impression upon their minds. For
instance, there was his declination to
deliver ar address at Arlington National
Cemetery on Memorial Day, and his
change Of mind after Champ Clark had
agreed to speak on that occasion. No
member Of the 6. A. R. has forgotten
that.
Then there was his abrupt change
from an avowed policy Of pitiless pub
licity to a practice Of studied secrecy.
The American people will not long
trust any man who will not trust them.
For many months he resisted all the
efforts OF the equal suffvagists to learn
his attitude upon The question in which
they were interested and TO which they
were giving their time and LABOR and
money. His belated announcement
was received with open expression Of
doubt as to its sincerity.
But there is one other, and much
less important incident, which has had
a more widespread and lasting effect
than any Of these. For more than a
year the American people were given
a picture Of President Wilson bowed
with the weight and worry Of public
duties, bearing load Of grief and de
voting his entire time to the cares OF
government. This went on with the
presidents knowledge, if not by his
instruction. Then came the sudden
disclosure that much Of his time had
been spent in pleasure seeking-golf-
ing, motoring, and other matters, TO
the exclusion OF cabinet meetings, de.
lay OF diplomatic correspondence and
inattention TO the public service.
Prior TO this latest incident, the
American people were wont to listen
to all OF President Wilson's utterances
with a marked degree Of rerpect. If
they differed from him they did it
courteously and with reluctance. They
believed him sincere in his attitude.
But one after another have come the
little acts which appeal to the minds
Of the common people and give them
an intuitive understanding Of their
fellow men.
When Mr.. Wilson finally announces
his adherence to the single-term plank
oi the Baltimore pladorm, his utterance
will be received with smiles OF de-
rision, for it will have the sound Of
forced expression rather than sincere
advocacy Of principles.
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Free Sugar Folly Should Be Repealed
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