The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-08-04
1.-THE Gate City docs not assume
responsibility for views expressed by
Hughes or WIIson?

Hughes or Wilson?
To the Editor of The Daily Gate City:
Do the readers Of The Daily Gate
City realize that two things are
made supremely plain by the speech
OF Charles Evans Hughes in his ac-
ceptance OF the republican nomina-
ton for president of the United
States? would not seek to set up
class, but this is especially adj
dressed to wayering republicans and
a mass of democrats who do not yet
know where they are at. First and
foremost, will be recognized Mr..
Hughes fitness for the office; sec
ond, the utter ineptitude Of the pres
ent holder Of the office and the total
unfitness of his party. The spirit
and the tone Of the speech are adj
mirable It's Americanism must win
all hearts. The minute information
and broad views expressed show that
however he may have tried to hold
himself aloof from the passions OF
the political arena, Mr.. Hughes could
not limit himself to being merely a
judge. The statesman in his must
have followed the march OF events
from hour to hour, while his power
full and incisive mind automatically
registered wise judgments upon them.
In opposition. doubtless the Daily
prejudice, open its columns to
such defenders of the administra-
ton as Hon. John 3. Craig; our
worthy postmaster; his son, the sill
yer tongued county attorney, and last.
not least, all the ministerial and
non-ministerial persons in our burg
who pin their faith on the past per-
formances of the man In the govern
ment executive chair.
Going through the speech for its
constructive meanings. / find first
that it proclaims the doctrine Of
America first and America efficient"
This would he enough in itself. 1t
is amplified into an administration
program as the several phases Of
current history are reviewed. The
duties of impersonality, resolution,
consistency in our foreign affairs are
established. 1t Is the function of the
government to avoid interference in
the affairs Of other peoples, but to
uphold the safety and the interests Of
our own on all occasions. This is
not to be done by words. What do
the strongest words avail IL our OPP
ponents can receive the impression
that they are not to be taken SER
iously, as was given out by our
former secretary of state, Mr.. Bryan?
The function of diplomacy is pre-
ventive. To make 1T truly preventive,
it must be apparent that we are ready
to back words with action. But how
can this be done il we are flagrantly
unprepared to act? We are a peace
loving people, but we are shockingly
unprepared. 1t is absurd to say that
resolution in protecting our citizens
and the honor Of our citizens means
war. On the contrary, weakness and
vicillatfon are likely to end in blood
shed. Similarity, it is preposterous
to say that reasonable preparedness
involves the growth of an unhealthy
militarism. We should have more
confidence in our national genius.
more pride in our own ideals than to
embrace such a sickly fear
This idea of Mr.. Hughes is really
fine thinking. It is wholesome and
courageous, 1t Is wise and moderate;
it must appeal to the voters, who are
hooking for guidance of spirit in just
the directions wherein Mr. Hughes
points. They want a president who
has clear program in his mind. AS
4 view it, Mr.. Hughes intends to inn
press on all foreign powers the reso-
luton of the United States. In order
that this resolution may have the
necessary driving force he intends
that so far as in him lies the country
shall have an efficient navy, suf-
ficient army, citizenship aroused to
its obligations and willing to make
whatever sacrifices may be neces-
sary for safety and honor.
That Mr. Hughes contemplates no
policy of aggression is also made
manifest. His advocacy of world
adjudication OF international guar
rels, the erection OF a tribunal of