Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-05-11
For aud Against America

TT is an interesting and notable fact that
j certain Republican leaders in this country,
particularly those who occupy seats in the
United States Senate, have found occasion
IN practically every controversy, or supposed
controversy, between the government OF the
United States and the governments Of allied
nations, to give their moral support to foreign
statesmen BY some process Of patriotism
they have felt it their duty to align them
selves with any power that differed with
their own spokesman.
In order to bear out this assertion it is
only necessary to review the peace proceed
ings during the past four months. 1t is
easily recalled that when the President sailed
for France he was the champion Of what he
was pleased to call the freedom OF the seas"
This principle never clearly pronounced
by him, and the British statesmen, assuming
that it meant surrender of their fleet or
withdrawal by them from their position Of
naval primacy, openly opposed what they be-
lieved to be the Presidents policy. Imme-
dately after this expression OF dissent be-
came known, the Republican leaders in this
country rushed frantically to the British side
OF the question, vehemently denouncing
President Wilson for his presumption in hold
ing such views.
Then again, the French government held
out stubbornly for the acquisition of the Saar
Valley coal deposits and for the lower Rhine
country. The French wanted a clear title
to these German properties on the ground OF
economic necessity and OF national defense.
President Wilson took issue with the French.
He wanted the French nation to have every
rightful result Of the war, but did not want
to plant breeding ground for future war.
Instead of standing faithfully by the Presi-
dent on this ISSUE the same Republican
statesmen threw the weight Of their influence
on the side Of the French and sought TO
weaken the position of their government as
far as it was possible to do So
Later still, the President set his face
against the Italian imperaistic claims to
Fiume and Dalmatia. He came out with bold
ness and firmness in behalf Of just settle
ment Of the Adriatic problem. The Italians
in indignation, withdrew from the peace con-
ference. Did the same Republican leaders
find merit in the position Of the President?
They did not. The partisan cabal headed by
Henry Cabot Lodge saw another chance to
strike their own government in the back, and
they swiftly acted. They took the Italian
side OF the controversy, and there they now
stand.
1t remains to be seen how many Of these
America first" patriots will give the Presi-
dent their support in any future disputes
which he may have. These Republicans
would be consistent II in advance they gave
notice to the country and to the world that,
right or wrong on the Japanese or any other
question. they are against the President.
They might proceed further than that. They
might add that in whatever future differences
he may have with All allied nation, they are
on the side Of whatever power there may be
which challenges the policies of the present
American government.
Moreover, there are to be debates between
the President and the Germans at Versailles
and when these debates are under way the
same domestic statesmen will find another
opportunity to show the President how i'm
possible it is for them to agree with him.