Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-11-07
Il Vict0ry for Americanism.

7 HE outcome of the gubernatorial cleo
ton in Massachusetts brings reioic-
ing to all who rightly appreciate
the principles of stable democracy 1t was a
nationwide sentiment which President Will
son expressed when he telegraphed Governor
Coolidge: 81 congratulate you upon your
election as a victory for law and order. When
that is the issue all Americans stand to-
gether." Unprecedented as it was for
Democratic President to felcitate a Repub-
lican candidate, the departure was ennently
justified. For in the face of so mOmentOus
a question as that which Massachusetts vOt-
ers were called upon to answer, ordinary po-
Itical alignments grow insignificant and de-
serve to be forgotten
1t is not 10 be doubted that thousands of
Democratic ballots went to swell Governor
Cooledges tidal majority, because he was
but the nominal candidate of a party. In
the larger sense he was the candidate of re-
sponslble government and of loyal citizen
ship. He was such by virtue of the firmness
and courage with which he met the grave
issue involved in the strike of the Boston
police. To have temporized and have played
a mere politicians part at that critical juno
ture would have been easy; but it would
have been well-nigh fatal to sound govern
ment in Massachusetts and a sinister omen
to all America. The Governor chose the
course which was certain to bring upon him
the wrath of the lawless and the condemna-
ton, of the shortsighted. He unhesltatingly
employed the powers Of the Commonwealth
to crush the indefensible scheme Of radi-
cal group. Had his action made him unDre-
cedentedly unpopular, it would have been
none the less admirable. and history would
have vouchsafed him rich reward. But it is
to the credit Of his fellow countrymen that
popularity such as Governors rarely enjoy
has crowned his course. Not Republican
victory, but an American victory-that is the
true aspect of the Massachusetts election re-
suit a victory of the common interests over
factional aduacity. a victory of government
over incIpient anarchy, victory OF democ-
racy over Bolshevism.
This is the outlooming feature of Tues
days elections. In other States local and in
cidental issues figured SO largely as to make
the returns of little or no national import.
New Jersey chose a Democratic, and Ken
lucky a Republican Governor; Ohio voted
dry" and Maryland developed uncom-
monty close gubernatoria1 contest. But none
of these results will leave a lasting Impress
upon the countrys thought; none of them
can be called widely prophetic. In Massachu-
sets, however, an issue OF paramount con-
Germ to the whole republic was taken to the
polls and was decided in overwhelming VIM
dication of what is loyal and wise and right
The Democratic candidate made the moral
as we'll as tact cal blunder of appealing Tor
support to the very forces, the very passions
and prejudices, which Governor Cooledge
had manfully withstood. This left the
thoughtful voters. irrespective of parties. no
course but an Endorsement OF the Magistrate
who REPRESENTED claw and order" That be-
ing the issue, Americans inevitably stooo TO.
eether: and in the magnificent unanmlIY OIL
their verdict, we may well take courage fcr
the nations future.