New-York tribune., 1916-07-31
the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: What is the truth about Woodrow
Wilson? National leadership is the essential
of the hour Let US be fair to him in asking
ourselves whether or not his leadership is
such as to demand its renewal. Mr.. Wilson
has undoubtedly secured some good progress
sive legislation. But the question arises,
Can he preserve for us that good legislation
as we'll as the good to which his Administra-
tion was heir? Mr.. Wilson's aim has been
to provide not only in name but in fact real
government of and by the people. To the
fulfment of the same he has largely con-
suited the teachings Of one of the country's
most illustrious founders.
Mr. Wilson is disciple of Thomas Jeffer-
son. Jefferson was great statesman in many
ways. But he. however, mistaken in
judgment at times. Mr.. Wilson has so closely
followed him that he has erred much as JEFF
ferson erred. In 1907 Jefferson wishing to
dodge the English impressment act in order
to avoid war with Great Britain, compelled
Congress to put an embargo upon all ship
ments of American goods TO foreign ports.
The embargo resulted only in incipient rebel
Quincy on the floor of Congress: for
one, am satisfied that no insult, however
gross, offered to us by either France or Great
Britain could force this majority into dec
laration of war. To use strong but com
mon expression, it could not be kicked into
such declaration by either nation" Jeffer-
son was eventually compelled to admit that
his peaceful war had been but dream. The
final result was the War of 1912, the true
story of which registers to our shame wha.
was really crime
Mr. Wilson is unfortunate in trying to
apply Jeffersons rule of individuaism Mr.
Wilson does not believe that the Constitution
is a thing of iron. He has consequently taken
liberties with il TO the extent of usurpng
somewhat the power of Congress. In so far
as our Constitution is antiquated and does
not meet modern needs; in so far as Con-
gress does not nationally represent us, and
in so far as Mr.. Wilson, therefore, truly
desires TO represent and lead us. we are with
and for him. But inasmuch as he refuses
TO undertake the risks and responsibilities OF
such almost sovereign leadership, we are de-
cidedly against him. An executive presum-
ably enjoys his position by virtue of the con-
Mr.. Wilson does not perform. He does not
know what to do "Watchful waiting" is but
STALL" stumbling block in the path OF
progress.
l. We cannot forget the Lustania or the
Mexican outrages. The affair at Carrizal.
the last of the frightful Southern massacres.
is the straw that breaks the back of peoples
patience. Go back three years. Mr. Wilson's
policy butted into the affairs of Mexico. By
sequence OF events and resultant murders il
led up to Carrizal. Our troops, upon a viii
sonian mission, were shot down. not by ban
dts but by troops under orders of the Mexi-
can government, recognized as such by Mr.
Wilson And yet at this moment Mr. Wilson
is very congenial with that government and
even contemplates loan. This in the name
of humanity Are we going to let Mr. Will
son get away with il? Who wants to Law
down his life so that Mr. Wilson NAV experi-
ment? 1t has been possible for US to con-
ceiye it our duty TO go into Mexico But serv-
ing the country under Mr. Wilson is vain sac
rfce. tragic farce. Away with this cant
about humanity! In every day parlance, we
refuse to be the goat.
The difficulties that beset the overconscien-
tious Mr.. Wilson are psychological. His pas
sion for mankind has short circuited his
mental processes. said Henry Clay once
upon a time, 81 would rather be right than
be President 1t is quite possible for Mr.
Wilson TO be neither For he is too bewil-
dered to be either right or TO be President
In trying 70 please all one generally succeeds
only in pleasing none. Mr.. Wilson evidently
fnds the Presidential Office too small for his
purpose. He cannot serve or save US without
serving and saving mankind. He would there
fore lead US out OF the wilderness on to the
broad plain OF humanity. as to a promised