The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1918-08-06
A DEMOCRATIC SCALAWAG

Times change and men change with
them. One of the most conspicuous.
[. perhaps the noiSicst OF the Democratic
! -hangers-on in Washington. Is James
Hamilton Lewis, 4 senator from Illinois.
Since the United States has entered the
!: war q Republican senator has to only
express a mild opinion on some pet
scheme Of the Democratic administration,
4 or some moderate objection to its pro-
gram, to arouse the indignant ire OF
!; James Hamilton Lewis. Lewis has
filled many pages OF the senatorial rec
ord with denunciation of Republicans
who have questioned the wisdom Of q
particular measure under discussion
Lewis has been before the public for
q long time. Twenty years ago he was
3 member OF Congress from the state Of
Washington. This country was then at
war with Spain. and it had Republican
President. the great and lanented Nc
Kinley. But the fact that the country
was at war did not silence the harping
Of such Democrats as James Hamilton
Lewis 1t did not even protect the
President of the United States. In May,
1898, Mr.. Lewis delivered himself OF the
following:
II have listened too often. Mr.. Speaker
= to the constant cry of patriotism as the
reason for legslating measure after
measure here. and only the other day
we heard from our honorable friends on
the other side that patriotism should al
ways drive Us into the line of action
which shall execute the desire OF the
other side, irrespective OF any virtue OF
: vice Of the measure.
ION this side Of the House there
: arises, now and then, az did my friend
. from New York. the distinguished and
honorable gentleman. Amos Cummings
/. who advised this assembly that he put
his country above party, and under that
CITY certain gentlemen on the floor. under
his leadership. calling themselves Demo
Gratis, found it agreeable to support the
measure nortSaging the generation and
their children yet unborn. irrespective oil
the fundamental justice Of It."
Mr.. Lewis opposition at that time was
to the proposition to issue bonds fol
$500. 100000 to carry on the Spanish
American war. That proposal, in 1888
put forward by Republican majority
In both houses Of Congress, met the
opposition Of every carping critic and
Of every Democratic partisan like James
Hamilton lewis. either in or out Of Con
Rress. Throughout the country. either
reluctant or half-hcarted support OF
prominent Democrats was conspicuous
and noticeable during the Spanish val
pertod. Lewis was not alone; he was
one of many. 1t is timely to note the
difference in the attitude taken by met
like Lewis in those days and the attitude
taken by Republicans all'ovcr this coun-
try to-day. The most substantial sup
port Mr.. Wilson has received has beer
from Republicans. Republican states
are buying most Of the bonds. and beer
fully paying most Of the taxes to Srry
on the war. A Republican representa-
tive in the House assumed the duty Of
carving through the consumption Bit
when the Democratic chairman OF the
committee on military affairs had re-
fused to do so. Republicans in the
e Senate Of the United States sustained the
President when the Democratic chairman
Of the foreign affairs committee tmpedec
hin, at every turn. These arc interest
ing and timely facts. Patriotism ought
not to be matter NJ party or class
among American people. Among righ
thinking citizens II is not Fortunately
a great majority OF the members OF the
Congress- Of the United States are OF 6
brand somewhat more substantial thar
James Hamilton Lewis Of Illinois.