The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1919-09-26
SENATOR JOHNSON
ENCOUNTERS RAIN
California Scion Runs Into a
Drilling DoWnpour.
DAMP WEATHE1 AT LINCOLN
Does Not Keep People Away And he
Speaks to Large and Sympathetic
Audience of Nonpartisans-May
Return TO Washington.

hundred men and women sat in the
Auditorium here, rubbed wet shout
ders, chung to dripping umbrellas and
cheered as Senator Hiram Johnson OF
California p~rOpounded his arguments
against u~nreServed acceptance OF the
League of Nations and the peace
treaty.
A drizzling rain had fallen during
the entire day, but this did not pre-
vent a general rush for places in the
meeting hall. Neither did the rain
JiSsuade many from taking Il stand be-
fore the entrance and waiting for more
than an hour for preferred seats when
the doors were opened. The meeting
is the first, since the senator left Chi
cagO, when he has presented his side
of the subject in a town not previous
ly visited by President Wilson. The
president planted his pro-league argu-
ments in Omaha more than a week
ago. Mr.. Johnson paused there In the
afternoon, made q brief address at a
private luncheon and hurried here. He
is the first orator to discuss the League
of Nations in the Nebraska capital.
Nebraska, it appears, has been study
ing the league question in newspapers
and public documents. And, accord
ing to positive assertions made by sew
eral men in touch with general state
conditions-men who say they are I'M
biased-a poll Of the state would show
two to one for covenant amendments
or else for absolutely discarding the
document in it's entirety.
Sees Change in State.
'Ninety days ago this state was alb.
solutely in favor Of the league" was
the comment Of William L. Clinton of
Darlington, who came on with a dele
CATION from his town to hear the SEN
ator.
Whatever the Nebraska league atti-
tude is, partisan politics seems to have
little to do with it, as was evident at
this meeting. Democrats were repre-
sented on the stage as literally as
were Republicans. The chairman
who introduced Mr.. Johnson has for a
long time been prominent in Demo
cratic politics. He is Lieut.. Col. John
G. Maher, state president Of the Amer
lean Legion.
Gov. S. X. McKelvie and X. 3. How.
ell, Republican national committee
man, also occupied prominent places
on the rostrum.
In substance, the Johnson address
was similar to ones he has given else
where on this speaking tour. But he
presented his arguments In phrases
freshly made. One of these he Gre
ated in Omaha by way of responding
to an editorial published on the sub
ject Of himself and Senator Borah in
the newspaper of one of his senate
antagonists, Gilbert NJ. Hitchcock.
The editorial, the Californian decided,
was attacking him because he was in
terested in preserving America against
European and Asiatic entanglements.
"FOr the first time in history" he
said, ut has become a reprOach to be
an American. When / recall the early
war record Of the proprietor Of this
paper, l am reminded that many OF
these who are most bitter in attack
ing us for our American stand are
those who have licked the hand that
beat them"
"The president has made, and asked
the senate to approve. n league cove
nant that is to be higher than our
Constitution. Except the sovereign
people, no power on earth can legally
change our Constitution or make an
other to override it. None but the
people should be permitted to throw
this independent republic into an in
ternational confederation. where it
must necessarily lose its independ-
ence Of action. The people can do
| that, but no public servant or serv-
ants of those people should be permit
ted to do it. 1t is admitted by the
president that we lose II independ-
ence in the league. Misty internation-
| olism has been substituted for Amer
icanism.
1T was in the name OF American
ism that II boys went acrOss the sea.
bu. you are now told that this Ameri-
carism is narrow. selfish, lacking in
altru;sm, devoid of vision, and we are
asked to blot it out. to substitute for
patriotism, internationalism. We at
Washington say 1t shall not be DONE"
May Return to Washington.
Senator Johnson remained at Lin
coin last night. This morning he en-
trained for Duluth, Mimi, where he
will speak Friday evening. Saturday
he will, address noon and night meet
incs In. st. Paul and Minneapolis.
II is possible these Twin City adj
dresses will be the last on the league
subject he will have an opportunity to
make. for advices received from Wash
ington daily emphasize the need of his
%anti-league associates for his presence
there. If, however, there is any sign
Of sufficient Washington delay on the
treaty and covenant action. the seAa.
tor will continue to follow the presi
dents trail to the Pacific coast and
back to the East through the Rocky