The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-03-05
INTERMITTENT PATRIOTISM

The Republican leaders. headed by Senator Lodge. are
proving that their much exploited patriotism was intermittent
1t lacked stability and continuity. We may not err in believing
that it always lacked sincerity. When the war broke out house
and senate were Democratic. and President Wilson was the
acknowledged leader Of the party. The country found itself in
a world OF new conditions which few could understand. The
people wanted 10 do their ful duty, and do it in the right way
and at the right time, In their dilemma they turned to the
president for guidance and leadership. He had access to all
available information. and was better equipped INTELLECTUALLY
than anyone else to lead and direct.
lie took counsel with the experts of the army and navy, and
called INTO consultation the leaders OF both parties. He planned
. program and suggested legislation to meet the exigencies, and
his will was law. The rank and file OF his own party LOYALTY
supported him, with a few painful exceptions, and Republican
leaders seized the occasion to exploit their patriotism and sup
ported the president with an enthusiasm that seemed genuine,
but which must have had in it a strong undercurrent Of reluct-
ancc and jealousy. These unworthy motives have since revealed
themselves.
The war was engaged in and carried to a successful issue.
The world was amazed equally at the proves Of America and
the CELEBRITY with which she moved, Unarmed, unprepared, a
giant without sword or buckler, a nation Of peace that hated
war, the people were aroused, and contributed men and treas
ure in a manner wholly incredible.
The war over, President Wilson Joined other re,reser,,
tives OF the allies in arranging terms of peace in order that the
fruits OF the struggle might be reaped and the objects for which
we fought realized Naturally he assumed that he had and
would have behind him the leaders of all parties, who had 50
loudly proclaimed their patriotism. In this he erred.
during the war the appulses OF public sentiment consti-
tuted a centrpetal force that was driving all Americans together
and unity and cohesion were possible and inevitable. The strng,
gle over, this force was relaxed and in a measure withdrawn, and
the jealous partsans, released from the urge, began to devise
ways OF promoting party advantage. As the representative Of
his party and the dominating influence at the peace conference.
the president became the target for the arrows of envy and the
shafts of malice. To discredit him is to discred;t NE Dewo-
cratic party, and enhance the chances of Republican success in
the next election, and to accomplish this purpose these inter
n1ittent patriots do not hesitate to inject the bitter waters of
sectionahsm into their discussions. They seem to care nothing
Tor the peace OF the world and the honor of their country.
They are willing to destroy both if it serves their partisan pur-
poses, 1t is easy to attack Wilson's part in the peace confer
ence 1t is beyond human nature to discharge a task Of such
magnitude without committing errors, real or apparent. The
same hostile criticism could be leveled against the creation Of
the world and the plan Of salvation, with the same reckless
disregard for the prophecies.
The country has reason to feel sorely disappointed in Sena-
tor Lodge. lie is a scholar. a historian and a statesman. Before
attaining to the position of statesman he had to begin as a poll.
tcan, and he cannot get away from his first love.
However, these worthless may learn that with the American
people patriotism is not a temporary impulse nor a garment to
be worn on particular occasions. 1t is something permanent,
fixed and indestructible
And no matter what the senate may do, there is reason to
believe that Wilson has made such an impression on the nations
OF Europe that a just peace will be arrived at, and that much
may be done to avert future wars, If we are not permitted to
share in the glory, we will at least have no difficulty in placing
the guilt where it belongs.