South Bend news-times., 1919-08-30
Other Editors Than Ours
HI JOHNSON MAY LEARN YBT.
Fort Waync journal GazPttc)

Sen Hiram Johnson the uncompromisIng foe of
any league of nations, has apparently failed
make any impression upon the people OF California
that he appears misrepresent. For 10 years
Frank c. Jordan has been secretary OF state of
Johnsons state and the last time he elected
he had a majority Of more than 100000. That Is
something Of a majority. 1t surpasses any majority
that Johnson had and both are republicans
In recent interview Jordan said
THE people of California waiting until those
for and against the League have fought ;he ques-
tion the the senate.
IF vote we're taken in California today, it
would be for ratification OF the treaty. The
American people favor agreements which will
prevent wars in the future.
They feel that the covenant will have such
force that nations will hesitate to attack when
this agreement between nations is in existence.
The good faith of the nation is pledged to the
observance of its conditions and that faith
viii not be lightly broken. Nations will hesitate
10 treat it another scrap of paper
America fought for civilization. and will not
approve of any partisan action this great
moment which may imperil it again.
America needs a league Of nations as well
England and France. There a
in the great conflict when the success of Ger
man arms meant possible disaster to
land. The day has passed when America
take refuge in an attitude of selfish isolation"
Speaking then of the work of Pres't Wilson. the
leader of party OF which Jordan is not member
he said
Critics of the president attempt.to visualize
the superman whereas Mr.. Wilson is merely
virilc American who has devoted all his powers
heart and brain for the upbuiding of what
is intended to be barrier against the forces of
destruction. In that barrier points of weakness
may develop. hut what he has already done
constitutes restraining force which ought
make every American feel that the welfare of
the people of all nations has been safeguarded
for the future and for this much Mr. Wilson
deserves the gratitude Of every fair-mnded
man"
Which Is about sensible a thing has been
said concerning the presidents work Paris It is
of course that the covenant is perfect Our
own constitution had 10 be amended and il would
Harn F4f1a TCfi nod hanw a
ed. But the great thing about the is that
the principle behind il has been crystalzed and ac-
cepted by the nations and acclaimed by the
of the earth who not in office but who called
upon 10 pay the price OF That principle would
never have been accepted but for the presence Of
the president in Paris He fought vigorously as
any human could for covenant without a
promise and the amazing thing is that the old world
politicians acQuiesced in thc idea in principle.
They never would but for the fact that the pres-
dent placed weapon in the hands OF the inarticu-
late millions. II il not surprising that he had to
compromise, but IL is amazing that he had 10 com
promise little. To assail him : though he a
reactonary rascal because OF his inability get
perfect document is peculiarly offensive TO normal
peoples sense OF decency and fair play. There are
senators who Will know it until something
oy more than 100000 majority probably knows
something OF public sentiment in California. II IS
evident that III Johnson does not