Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-11-01
WiEsOn'S StateSmanShib.

If the American people should suddenly be de-
prived of Woodrow Wilson, and were called on 10
choose a spokesman to conduct their negotiations
with Germany in the present crisis IL is not at an
likely that they would select either Tneodore
Roosevelt or Henry Cabot Lodge.
In the latter instance they know so little con-
corning Senator Lodge that they would never tnlnk
of him in connection with the settlement OF the
war. while in the of Colonel Roosevelt they
are entirely too well acquainted with his character
and methods TO entrust him for moment with
questions OF such tremendous import not only TO
America but the world.
The only thing wrong with President Wilson's
diplomacy from the standpoint of Senator Lodge is
the fact that he is Democratic President instead
OF a Republican President. The estimable 'spokes-
man. of the Republican opposition in the Senate
has been almost pathetic several times In MS at
tempts to fRd flaw in the Presidents conduct OF
AS for Colonel Roosevelt, the same thing is
wrong with PRESIDENT Wilson's diplomacy that mas
been wrong with the whole American government
in all its branches since the Colonel retired from
the White House Witness the ColoneIs own
statement. when asked what he would have done
if he had been President when the Lusitania was
sunk, that the Lusitania would never have been
sunk if he had been President. The Colonel at
least possesses quality to his credit, and that
is his CanGOr. He can always be depended upon
10 estimate his own worth at a higher valuation
than anyone else. The Colonel never deceives the
people concerning his opinion of himself
One of the principal things for which the
American people are thankful in connection with
the war is the fact that Colonel Roosevelt has not
had ANYTHING to do with the Nations foreign rela-
tiOns intthe last four years. Even the Republicans
had sense enough to realize this fact when they
casting about for Presidential candidate
in 1915.
Brave little Belgium flung herself across the
halfway of Germanys .'invincible" war machine
and held il long enough for France to mobilize.
Then little Belgium was crushed and mangled.
France held the Hun with ring of steel and
wall Of flame until the mighty power of England
could be gathered for the struggle, but in holding
the Hun she gave up for F-2nce and for all hu-
manity the last full measure OF blood and anguish.
England came with equal sacrifice and sublime for
titude Italy's brave armies fought their way to
the verge Of success against unparalleled obsta-
cles. then were thrown back in their hour of vic
tory. and finally emerged with triumphant courage.
All OF these nations have paid greater price
TO make the world safe for democracy than Amer
lea will ever be able to comprehend. All of our
sacrifices already made likely to be made are
small in comparison with what they have given and
what they have suffered
They are not criticizing the. diplomacy of
Woodrow Wilson They not finding fault with
his conduct of the present negotiations. They are
attempting TO control his policy or dictate his
language. Their responsible spokesman have in
formed the world that they trust the President and
aDurove his course. If they satisfied with his
leadership. and if they willing to trust him to
speak for them after what they have suffered. by
what authority and in whose behalf does Colonel
Roosevelt attempt TO interfere?
President Wilson speaks a universal language
which all the peoples of the earth clearly un-
derstand. Ii is neither the language of buster
nor the language of blood. but the transcendent
LANGUAGE of Justice and light Theodore Roose-
welt apparently is abb to see nothing in it except
an evidence of weakness. but the waT-ridden ma
lions OF Europe in it the soul of leader whom
they trus and follow
when ne future place of Theodore Roosevelt
has shruni- to a few casual pages. volumes will he
written of he world craftsmanship of Woodrow
Wilson. tris,nphant above all figures in history.