Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-01-06
BY ALBERT THOMAS.

| Copyright, 1918. by Universal Service.l
pN JaGnay and is si'1 when
permits us to enjoy President Wilson
in Europe.
man involved in the daily political
battle---thc newspapers tell us he is
indeed the life OF his party-and he is
therefore exposed TO the criticisms Of
his Anniversaries.
Some OF our reactionary politicians,
ardent partisans of peace based upon
force. attempted to make heard in Iiu-
across the Atlantic. They thereby at
tempted to reduce Wilson'S prestige
or attack his ideas. They have not
Lacking sympathy and support
have shown him the same respect as
his friends.
Whence comes such unprecedented,
such unpai allelcd popularity? Is it the
effect OF the amiable and traditional
World for the inhabitants of the New
which made the celebrated Franklin
visit Versailles?
Is il n manifestation Of the graft
tudc of the allied peoples, particularly
the French. for the chief OF the great
nation which came at decisive mo-
ment TO help the triumph of justice and
whose troops fastened victory
POPULARITY RESTS PARTLY
ON GRATITUDE TO AMERICA
Beyond doubt. But the popular af-
lection for President Wilson is some
thlng more. BY his statements and
messages and replies to the DIPLOMATS
documents lie gave the American in :
teTyen,lon its complete meaning.
ne nrst became known TO the Euro
Pean masses when. in December. 1916,
ne asked the two groups OF belliger-
ents their aims. Then he began to
ne much discussed. Some who are to-
ardently asked with anxiety whether
therc was not some political game
winch might help Germany behind his
inquiry.
IDEALISM OF FIRST
MOVE SHOWN BY EVENTS
Events which followed RAPIDLY
s smir.e Inc Inc pure idealism which in
s ,pir That first move. Fortified by
vested with authority based upon
Growing popular support President
SoIa was then able TO formulate be-
the means by which he intended ~
respond to the deepest desires OF All
in ns,iai,ty OF assuring just peace and
league of nations -
ne PRESIDENT has the special merit
o ct ;nn MS words that luminous pre-
most practical political ideas everS
Huahty OF propaganda and the relje,
ious force of popular aspirations
MIR. WILSON ABLE TO
GET DETACHED VIEW
,>.So 1--we inc political men OF oil
europe, who were burdencd ana mn
rassea by numerous occupations
natural in warning countries, either
t near TO the enemy or invaded. and
confused and hesitatinE terms thn a.; ~
fpe ra.;d OF the struggling nations.
IRE nn,lI Wilson was able to take in
able abb e to rene eonfiet at single glance:
MIN 10 discover for all nations 80
rigntiul desires Of civilized humanitr
Cndoubedtly that is how he attrnn. ~
me hearts OF the democratic wortfnr
masses; that is how he attached hirns
sell to the liberal democracies. tb nm =
i In nnaiiE, among all democrats
French. Oh the
FRIENDS OF PREsIMENr IN
EUROPE ALARMED
When President Wilson came IN En-
rope some of his friends were alarmed
~ there was mixed with the synna
my or the masses 4 degree Of idolatrv,
o nnS IL not risky TO place the idol
9ainlost the worshippers? And then
european politics is complex and sub
tle; .urope's International life indeed
Is "a regular waSpnest.
would not the President by the ext
Eencies of even his adherents cnnnrn