Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-07-15
Wilson and Gossip of Tlu,,l Term

Wilson and Gossip of Tlit.I Term
THOSE who are warmest in their admira-
i tion and stanchest in their support of
Woodrow Wilson will be the sowest to be-
lieve that he considers becoming candidate
for third term. They do not credit the
rumor to which former Senator Lewis has
given voice, and they will not do SO until
Wilson himself gives assurance that the lli-
noisan has spoken cathedra. Gossip OF
possible third term has been more or less
rife for some time It is natural that it
should be- for Wilson is the great Outstand-
ing figure not only in his party not only in
the United States. but in the whole world.
But it does not follow that he is the one
strong man available to succeed himself in
the White House. Nor does it follow, merely
because of his pre-eminence and the mas
terly manner in which he has guided his
country through war and subsequent dipo-
matte tangles TO safe and just peace, that
his reelection would be wise step. 1t may
be taken for granted that the President feels
that with the ratification of the treaty with
Germany his great life work will have been
accomplished successfully. and that the reins
Of government should be placed in other
hands, while he retires to that honorable rest
which he has earned so magnifcently. In
this feeling. the overwhelming majority of
the American people concur.
Wilson today stands towering monu-
mental figure in American life, figure apart
from and above parties and politics. He
belongs to the nation. For him to step down
from the pedestal which a nations graft
tude has placed him, and plunge into the
maelstrom OF politics for a third term TO
break precedent to which the people
tenaciously cling, whether or not he sue
ceeded, would rob him OF much that already
is MS. and. however unselfsh and worthy
his ambition might be. there is no question
mat the estimation in which he is now held
would be grierously lowered and the bright
page of history that is his would be darkened
for all time
Grant his present strength. then remember
the national and well-grounded prejudice
against third term. and it may be doubted
IL wilson could secure the nomination OF his
party ii he made fight for it, After all, il
is not one-man party, and il possesses other
material OF presidential proportions even il
no one stands out in the present limelight
OF pubic affairs. 1t is quite impossible that
they should so stand out when in the course
OF war and postwar events. they have been
oVershado~ed by one dominant personality
His nomination would be open confession
that ii had no other leader with whom it could
nope TO win. and were that the case it would
deserve 10 lose.
Should Wilson decide to make the race
and should he win the nomination his cleo
ton would be practical certainty for tbero
can De no question of his popularity and the
ialth that the people, irrespective of party,
nave IN him. while he would face an oppo-
sitlon split wide open. Even that does not
controvert the statement that it would be
mistake on the part of him and his marty
to make the experiment. No crisis EXISTS
none Is likely to be existing when the cam
paign comes on. there is nothing on the
domestic or International horizons that would
seem TO make his entry into political
scramble necessary and America as whole
VIII be mistaken and disa ppointed if he does
not oeleve ii wise to retire from active politi-
cal i'te TO reap the rich harvest of the seeds
ne has sown. II he does. he will take his
place beside Washington, Lincoln and Other
great Americans; il he does no,-who can
tell?