Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-08-03
WILSON MAY REPLY
TO E. D. P. RAPS
Partisan Critics Likely TO Have
Their Crouch Put Under
Presidents Spot Light

Washington, ID {. Aug Repuh-
ilcau leaders who have iudHlRed IN nag
gng attacks ON the administration, W ho
have kept up political DISCUSSIONS while
every energy of the present government
has been directed towards the prusccti-
'ten of the fight against the Central
Powers, and Who hnve harped on the
statement that l}epubliean success N
the fall elections y essential - the
winning oi the war. arc exceedingly
likely to have their challenge taken up
| IN the next few weeks
President Wilson has made every en-
dcavnr to eliminate polltes from his
consideration, and has consistently lE.
norod Republican attacks on the gov
crumcnt At Il tune when headers #
tho opposition have clamorrd for an
army of 5.O1,000 mon he has made
no comment. although he had already
worked out with his advisers plans TINT
took INTO consideration the possibilities
Of an American army that wll greatly
exceed the favorltc ; 600 600 mark sct
by the Republicans Recently, however.
tho Republican organization. .emhoidcued
10y the fact that the Democratic admin
lstraton remained quiet under earlier
nagging, has shifted It's tactics % loud
claims that the minority is the War
Party OF the Nation, and That 10 Is
the duty Of the American people to
elect Republican House Of Reprcsen-
tatves this fall To facilitate the progress
of the campaign against Germany and
Austria
MAY III FORCED TO SPEAK.
The Republicans, rs a matter Of fact,
realize perfectly that the United States
is now directing its full force against
the enemy that the War Department
Is functIonlng with absolute smoothness
and st top speed, and that every day
sees definite progress in the struggle 10
turn the scales permanently against
the Teutons. Leaders of the minority
party privately admit that they have
no material suggestions TO offer, but, If
gwen control of the House of Repre-
sentatives, would content themselves
with loyal support of the present ad-
mnistration. Nevertheless, IN an en-
deavor to find campaign material they
are clamoring that the nations best IN
terests demand Republican control OF
the lower House of Congress
1t Is on this point that Presiden
Wilson may be forced to break his 81
lenoe. If there is any possibility of avoid
ing a discussion of what Is paipablv
AttOlISi4 ctaNEiltAtAs III " III Continue II
ignore all attempts to interpoiate politics
probability, however, that he will he com
pclied to take up grossly misleading
Republican statements.
GRAVE CONSEQUENCES INVOLVED
In that event. he will make very
frank statement to the American people, |
pointing out the consequences Of |
Democratic defeat He will outline the |
effect of such result, not only on the /
government unfettered conduct of the |
war. but on international questions that |
affect the interests Of the United States |
and her Allies.
There can be no doubt that Repubh- |
can victory IN the Congressional elections I
would puzzle and discourage the British, I
rench, Italian and other Allied govern /
ments and would be haliod joyfully IN I
Germany as proof that the American
people, dissatisfied with the progress OF
the war. eere endeavouRg 10 overthrow
the government charged With the conduct
OF the fight
There is no possible benefit that could
accrue 10 capture OF ehe lower house by
the Republicans. but there is grave
menace m the consequences of such an
overturn on popular thought throughout
Europe
! his and other points raised by Re
publican attacks on the Administration
Will. If necessary he brought lucidlv To
the attention OF the people IN this coun-
try by the President # he becomes con-
vlnced that the Republican party pro-
poses to make political control oi the
House of Representatives. the predomi-
nant issue Of the coming Congressional
campaign