The Washington herald., 1918-09-23

A league of nations is denounced by
Col. Roosevelt.
He thinks this nation would be de-
vitalized by it and enervated. and that
our supply of patriotism would dwin-
die in the same proportion that our
interest grew In such a league.
In reply we'll say to the Colonel
such a league is very much" neces-
sary.. without 1t q guarantee for the
perpetuation of the things we're
fighting for now could not be had
Nor would It be good without this
league of nations.
We have entered the worlds eaua-
ton now, and so have other coun-
tries-even the enemy countries
though in a far different manner
than we did and with vastly different
motives behind the entrance.
Countries acting separately and by
themselves must no longer rule things
after this war. Nor can countries
acting singly and by themselves pre-
vent obstreperous and self-seeking
countries from doing so. What is
done must be done in league-there
must be cooperation for good or for
bad-and the properly organized
league with ideals to guide 1t must
be the one that dominates the world,
We are making 1t 'for good.
Col. Roosevelt thinks American
personality and American Ideals VIII
be lacking in a league of nations. But
he was never more badly mistaken
in our judgment. This country's oirth
Of freedom and this countrys saving
entrance into the most stupendous
war ever waged for freedom make US
the logical leaders OF Freedoms
league. American principles will DOM
mate the organization of the new
league and American forces and re-
sources will prolong its life in the
very way It should be prolonged.
Col Roosevelt is in quandary
over what will follow peace=or over
| his inability to forecast precisely of
Just what texture peace will be made
once 1t is agreed upon on the Ameri-
can basis. II Is not the first time
the Colonel is puzzled. He has been
puzzled before. He knows little. how
ever, Of downright diplomacy. He
cannot comprehend. most of all. the
craftsmanship of our President for
the very simple reason his political
training has robbed him of the power
to do so. There has been too much
spontaneity and bombast In his ca
reeer to permit him to have suffi-
cient understanding Of calm. farseeing
craftsmanship.
The Colonel is naturally a desirable
and necessary member Of our multi
sided American society yea. our
multi sided Official American society.
But he has more genius for commun-
ling with earthquakes and the light
ming than he has for sitting at a
solemn. quiet shrine when destinies
OF nations are settled and where JUS
tice Is meted out to them all.
He can finger a gun and make II
speak, and he knows what intimacies
our race should have with firearms.
But he is backward when II comes
to questions of relationships between
the nations.
The Colonel has worn the trsppin gs
of cowboy-and Woodrow Wilson
never thought to earn the sobriuuet
| Rough Rider" But the President
studied the essentials of international
relationships on the higher American
ground while T. r. was 'roping' and
branding" and the result is T. r.
knows more about roping and brand
| ing. while W. w. knows more about
international relationships.
The American people, we think
| prefer to trust the President 10
make our peace and to delineate our
entire course of action under the
terms imposed upon all nations by
sthat peace. We hope. of course,
| that Col. Roosevelt will not be
| chagrined over this, for his services
| in certain directions, have been
most valuable to our cause, and nj.
contributions to our cause, certain
~ will be remembered always with
gratitude.
Our frank advice to the Colonel
is to pursue other matters and let
peace discussions be indulged in by
those competent and empowered to
| decide them. For while his heart
may be right his knowledge and
judgment are sadly deficient.
The revenue bill tussle Is over.
House members take another
hitch in their belts, and pat their
shoulders at the same time trying
to still the palpitating political
hearts which bid them go home al
| once.
Word comes from the White
House that those who remain faith
full unto the last will be remember.
| ed Tor their labors. This is the
word that cheers immensely and
| many member enters another
| week hopeful that this will be sufi-
cient with his constituents when the
time comes to ballot on him again.
Busy as he is the President is no,
unmindful Of those on the Hill who
labor with him and for him to the
end that the Presidents thoughts
may become legislative deeds. The
! President is ready and willing tc
| reclprocate. 1t is his most appre-
ciated human trait; it is proper and
very natural that he should possess
| ii.
Senator Harry New would make fur
OF Secretary Tumulty for compliment
ing Mr.. Brisbane on the ACQUISITION
of a paper at Chicago and for wishIns
that 1t would be made as faithful n
| the democratic cause as the Washing.
ton Times"
Senator New. of course. expects the
/ country to laugh with him-and prob
4 ably portion of IL will do an Ru,