Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-06-08
WILSON'S RECORD

ueHlOCTdllC party III power.
With Germany having yielded to the
demands OF the American government
conceding all the points raised by
President Wilson in defense of Amerl-
can rights and for the upholding Oh
American honor, can there be any
question of the efficacy Of the handling
of foreign affairs?
Will the republican party contend
that despite the fact that President
Wilson won a great diplomatic victory
not merely for the people OF the Unit
ed States, but for civilization itself,
this country nevertheless should have
gone to war with Germany?
When President Wilson gave the or
der for the American troops to enter
Mexico to break up the bandit bands
which had been causing the loss of
life and property along the border, the
republican leaders in congress ap-
plauded the firm action that was
taken. 1t was agreed by the republi-
can leaders in the senate and house
that no other action was possible.
Will they say now that the United
States government should withdraw
the troops from Mexico or will they
say that the United States should de-
clare war against Mexico?
| So far the opposition party has con-
| fined itself to vague and general
statements that the handling of for
eign affairs will be made an issue. The
count will have to be more specific or
else it will be given short shrift in
the court of public opinion. President
wilson's craftsmanship has forced the
respect of the world, and the knowl-
edge of his reserve power, the realiza-
| ton that a united nation stood behind
him, have kept the country at peace
while millions of men are being sacrl-
feed on the battlefield of Europe, be-
cause such craftsmanship in Europe
was lacking when most needed.
Can preparedness be made an issue
Senator Lodge Of Massachusetts, re-
turning from conference with Col
onel Roosevelt, advocated on the floor
of the senate an army of 100000 men,
The army reorganization bill of the
democratic party, as finally passed by
the two branches of congress, calls
for regular army of I'll 900 men. Is
there any room for an issue here?
Secretary Daniels of the navy de-
partment, established the naval con-
sulting board, headed by Thomas A
Edison, SO that the scientists of the
country might be modified for ma
tional defense. The present admins
tration likewise has established an
industrial mobilization committee, tO
inventory and aid in the development
of all American industries, for
strength in time Of peace as we'll as in
time of war
The administration naval bill, re-
Gently introduced in the house, carries
an appropriation of s241 ,000,0 900. This
is an increase of more than $91 100000
over last years appropriation. 1t is
the greatest measure for naval pre-
paredness ever advanced by any ad-
ministration. In addition to the five
new battle cruisers, of the most mod
ern type, there is provision for sub
marines and all other warships deem
ed necessary, together with an expert
mental laboratory, real aviation
of defense.
As a result of the work of the demo,
cratic administration. there will be
complete military and naval prepared
ness, without militarism. There viii
be the maximum of efficiency, with
the minimum of expense.
If the republicans are to make pre-
paredness an issue, they will have to
be more specific than they have beer
in the past. Even though they had
done their part. when they were il
control of the government, and could
now point to their own record, which
they admittedly are unable to do, the!
would have to be more specific with
respect to the defects of the present
administration program of prepared
ness.
Industrial defense has been provid
ed by President Wilson's administra
ton. II will be found in the new
banking and currency law, in the ad
ministration tariff commission bill
in the anti-dumping bills and otheI
measures behind which the whole
weight of the administration is being
thrown. The democratic platform
will assure industrial defense, ra
itional, reasonable, permanent. Tht
present nationwide prosperity, which
seems to give such concern to the re
publican party. will be amply safe
guarded, both with respect to domes
tic business and exports, without fur
Their agitation, upheaval or uncer
tainty if President Wilson and thu
democratic party are retained il
power.
The present measures of industrial
and military and naval safety vii
constitute a permanent policy for thu
nation, unless new men, seeking a re
turn to power without issues, arr
given the opportunity to overturn thu
safe and constructive work that ha!
been done. This is no time for swap
ping horses in the middle Of The
stream" 1t is no time for the per
sonally ambitious to thrust them
selves between constructive achieve
ments and the people. 1t is no timt
for domestic upheaval. What has beer
done in the past three years has With
stood the test of world cataclysm.
the present administration has no
eradicated special privilege. and build
ed upon the frmer foundation of equa
opportunity, the United States would
not have weathered the storm anc
reaped the benefits of an unprecedent
ed prosperity.
Americanism will be written large
in the democratic platform. Under
that heading will be listed the achieve
ments Of Woodrow Wilson for Amer
lea. Under it will be given the rec
ord of what has been sdone and wha
will continue to be done, by the ad
ministration for financial industrial