Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-10-26
LA TOILETTE AT PHILADELPHIA

A good deal mas Deen SAID at OlueEenL tunes LIE
address delivered by Senator LaFollette at Philadelphia
in 1912, an address which has such a shocking exhibition
of ill temper and offensive egotism that it put an end at
once to whatever possibility there has been of his nomina-
ton for the presidency or anything else outside of his
own state. The substance of the speech was published
at the time, and the impression that it created through
out the country was one of disgust. But the full story
Of the manner of its delivery has just been told for the
first time, so far as. we know, in an article in the New
York Times by Rupert Hughes, the Well known novelist
The gathering before which the speech was deliv-
cred was a dinner given by the Periodical Publishers as
sociation. There were present many who, as writer's or
illustrators. had contributed to those magazines. One
of the speakers was Woodrow Wilson, then governor Of
New Jersey, and a probable candidate for the presidency.
IaFollette was another. There were many addresses,
and, as was proper at such a gathering, all but one were
short. crisp and good humored. Governor Wilson spoke
briefly and pleasantly, and compressed a few impressive
thoughts into a short paragraph. LaFollette started
speaking at 1880, after a rather long program, and with
other speakers to follow. He spoke until 1880. and his
address was a violent TRADE against everything in general
and his hosts and fellow guests in particular.
That speech was often described as an evidence of
the sudden collaps of a great man. 1t was certainly one
of the worst exhibitions that a public man in the United
States ever made of himself. But it did not, as was often
suggested, mark any reversal Of form ON the part of the
speaker. 1t was the exploit of a man who,~ after a long
conrsesof self-worship had reached a point where he was
ready to throw off all restraint AND exhibit the spirit that
was really in him.
Mr.. Hughes has undoubtedly ana1y.ed the character
Of the man correctly when he says:
THE trouble with LaFollette is that he has but one
AuSd-So dltdC udteVef IS nearest, Whatever Is in good
repute or iH-repute, provided it Is near. He has no dis
examination. He is a congenital attacker, a name-caller.
a diatrlber. He is a professional denouneer. He assailed
the trusts while they were in the limelight. He assails
the enemies of Germany because they are in the ascend
ant now: He does not assail the Germans. But he would
II he were in Germany. If we should deport him, as
Vailandingham was deported by Lincoln for his copper
medicines, LaFoIette would resume his trade at once.
He would begin Immediately denouncing the Germans
around him and telling them how righteous our war
against them is, what beasts they are, what predatory
minions OF the second period they are. They would not
treat MIN with the tender pity he deserves. He is a sick
man. He makes others sick. 1t is his cross.
Small wonder that the LaFollette who could invade
q banquet room to which he came as a guest, insult the
banqueters till he drove them from the room. threaten
them when they returned and howl down their gentle
protest at his outrage on them and the other speakers
small wonder that he should have no understanding of
even the decency due to the Lusitauia's dead: that he
should denounce the women and children themselves for
their presence on that murdered ship-small wonder
that the rape of Belgium should have no meaning to
him; that the deportation of Belgian men into slavery;
which Brand Whttlock denounced as one of the most
wicked deeds Of history, should wiring no protest from
LaFollette; nor the activities Of the submarines, the spies
the foreign press.
"laFollette cannot hate these things, because he
insults n o neaghbors in hating them. II he were in Ger
many ne would denounce them with fury. But being in
America he can denounce only things and people Ameri.
can. 1t Is his misfortune and ours. It is not his fault
It Is only ours that listen to him.