Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-07-28
Taft, tho Pcacemaker

1T is scarcely fair to former President Taft
to accuse him of surrendering any convic-
ton in his effort to find compromise which
the support and the opposition to the league
OF nations covenant can consistently adopt.
1t is apparent from his correspondence with
Will II. Hays that he is prompted by solicit
tude for the peace treaty in his effort to
bring the conflicting elements together and
is not actuated by thought of rescuing the
Republican party for an unfortunate pre-
dicament. although even his friends concede
that he has Numbered in his attempt to break
the deadlock.
From the outset Mr.. Taft has stood firmly
with the President in promoting a peace
program which would diminish the possibility
of future wars. He stood on the same plat
form with the President in New York and
made Il most effective defense of the interna-
tional league, and. while at that time he
animated that some notifications seemed
necessary In order to perfect the instrument
he let 1t be understood that, notifications
no notifications, great piece of constructive
work had been done, which was entitled to
the applause Of the whole world.
AS a result of his advocacy of the league
covenant and his cordial support of a Demo-
cratic President Mr.. Taft brought upon HIM
self scathing criticism from his party asso-
ciatcs in the Senate He was branded as
deserter as man who had forgotten an obli-
CATION TO his party, and a purblind fol-
not move the former President. He stood
stanchly on his conviction that the world
would commit an everlasting folly If it did
not agree to some binding covenant safe
guarding the future peace Of mankind
Now at a time when It seems to him that
the opposition to the covenant is strong
enough to prevent the ratification of the
peace treaty, he became persuaded that his
duty to the nation prompts the submission
oil certain suggestions around which all in
terests may center, and he took advantage
or the opportunity Mr.. Hays gave him TO
counsel with his Republican associates, as
well as with Democratic friends.
The more partisan and passionate leaders
IN both parties have visited their censure
on Judge Taft for his action. Democrats
who had profted by the support he had
6iven the President and the covenant are
inclined TO charge him with dereliction at
time when his support Is most needed
lhey intimate that he has suddenly become a
iVo per cent Republican once more, and that
ne has moved in the league matter for the
sole purpose Of extricating the Republican
party from deep hole. Republicans are
saying that he is being used by the Demo-
Gratis to confound the members of his own
party and to deliver the spokesman of that
party INTO the hands of the President nv
means or compromise to which they should
not 10 be asked, from a friendly source to sub
scribe. =
lhese views are equally unfair to Mr.
lalt. lie Is neither playing the game of one
p"itS NOT me other. He is merely using
however unwisely, whatever influence he has
10 bring the opposition elements into accord.
lie IS not trying to rescue either the Demo
cratic party or the Republican party He &c
trying, even in mistaken way IN rescue
the league OF nations