The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1919-08-08
POLITICAL CLAP TRAP

1t appears to The Times that never
before, in the history of the United
States, was there such an abundance
of cheap, fraudulent and counterfeit
utterances, largely from those who
have been leaders in political thought,
than has been flooding the country
during the past few months. Such
"cheap" politicians, and we say that
advisedly--they are CHEAP-seem to
be willing to do anything, by fair
means or foul, to bring about the sue
cess of their own little ideas.
During the war such little fellows
appeared to have passed on. But their
present clamor proves that they were
not dead-only dormant. And it is in
Congress that these human "culls"
appear to be most numerous. They
have been putting forth every effort
to try and make political issue of
the proposed adoption of the League
of Nations-that great document that
should be entirely removed from po-
litical strife. That was intended to
have been made a great humanitarian
issue, for the guarding of the
human race. There may be flaws in
it; there doubtless are. But the err
rors can be corrected as they make
their appearance. The fact that it
may not be perfect is no excuse for
opposing it.
That document furnishes the only
safeguard that has thus far been Of
fered the world for it's protection
against future wars. Some declare
that it will fail Of its proposed pur-
pose, But such statements are moth
ing more than personal opinions, and
usually are made by those who have
a habit of borrowing their ideas and
opinions from others. Why not give
it a trial? 1t is the one thing that
has been offered for such accomplish
ment, and it is the product of many
of the greatest earthly intellects.
Last week The Times editor heard
arguments at the Arcadia Methodist
Assembly on the League of Nations,
carried on by Hon. John M. Atkinson
for the Democrats, and State Chair
man Cole for the Republican party.
Mr.. Atkinson took the position that
the proposed League of Nations was
the greatest document that had ever
been prepared by man; that it was a
great humanitarian issue, too big and
too important to be drawn down and
made political issue of. Chairman
Cole, speaking of the Republican par
ty OF this State, came out frankly
even crudely-against the adoption of
the League of Nations, saying it
should not be adopted by the United
States. There you are. 1t is to be
made a political issue, regardless of
the future welfare and security of the
world.
While all this cheap clap-trap is be-
ing participated in by the Congress of
the United States, trying to work up
sentiment against this peace docu-
ment, the Senators and Congressman
are sitting around apparently entire
ly regardless of the fact that their
constituency are crying out for re-
duction in the higher cost of living.
The constantly mounting prices Of all
of life's necessities are rapidly driv-
ing the people along in a way they
would not go, and in way many of
them will not be able to go much fur
Their. Why will not those paid "scrv-
ants of the people" give a little of
their time toward correcting this rap
idly and growing menace, instead of
putting in practically their entire time
in attempts to muddy the water" so
as to prevent clear view of the
League of Nations?
The Times editor has long been
aware of the fact that peanut" poll
ticians could sink to almost any depths
in the hope of accomplishing their own
little selfish ends, but never before
have we had any actual demonstration
of the fact that they are willing to
sacrifice the peace, progress and per-
petuity of the entire world to ac-
complish their own personal ends.
During the war period these undesira-
bles were compelled to conduct them
selves like patriots, but now that they
appear again unmasked they have
taken on more striking appearance of
the old-fashioned idea of the devil,
with horns and hoefs, and the devils
facial expression of cunning. 1t is the
fervent wish of all good citizens that
all such politicians may soon finish
their earthly career, and be called
home to hell.