Gunnison news-champion., 1919-09-19
SHALL WE PLAY THE GUTTER.

SHALL We PLA1 The QUIITER!
Ry jerome Strauss in Denver Express
X Is perhaps peculiarly fitting that
one Of the most shameful demonstra-
tons IN American history should have
taken place in Chicago-that city
which boasts a pro-German mayor,
which was refused consideration when
II sought the convention of the Ameri-
can Legion until it regained patriotic
standing. was the scene of a meeting
at which demand for the impeachment
Of the president WAS made.
II is all very well to disagree with
the chief executive. Freedom Of criti-
cism by the people is essential to the
life of a democracy. But there are
bounds which cannot be overstepped
without making the nation q shame
and a mockery in the eyes Of the
world.
The ironic feature of the affair was
that the speakers who denounced Will
son for quitting, in the same breath
demanded that the United States quit.
Accusing Wilson of cowardice, they
sought to make the American Republic
a coward.
Says the press dispatch: Senator
johnson told the vast throng as he
explained what he believed the rela-
ton of the United States and other
powers to be under the League Of
Nations "The United States is the
greatest solvent power on earth, and
they ask US to enter into partnership
with four bankrupts."
Now two of these "bankrupts" are
France and England. The reason for
their bankruptcy is that they gave
their all to save civilization while the
United States was making money out
of the war. This is not pleasant
thing for US to say, but there is no
use of US taking high altruistic-and
hypocritical-view of ourselves.
This country did not suffer in the
war in any degree comparable with
our allies. Our achievements were
splendid, but that was due to the
Americans who died in battle or Of
fered their lives side by side with the
soldiers of our bankrupt" comrades.
Our duty has not been fulfilled.
We have helped saved the world
thereby saving ourselves. Is this q
time, because we are strong and pow
erful, To leave our fellows wounded
and hungry in the ruins of their
homes?
Who are the quitters-those who
want US to stand with our allies for
the future of the world, or those who
want us to hide ourselves and our
fortune behind the Chinese wall of
national isolation? ~
We do not hold 10 strongly in the
matter with Wilson as with General
Jan Christian SHUTS of South Africa.
1t was Smuts who objected most
strongly to the Treaty Of Paris-but
he urged that it be ratified.
Europe, he declared, was in pitable
shape. The treaty offered the only re-
lief obtainable. And the League of
Nations covenant offered hope for the
future. Therefore he was willing to
overlook the things he did not like
to grasp the greater good.
1t is inconceivable that few Amer
lean senators should be. allowed to
keep the entire world in turmoil.
Whether they are sincere or playing
politics, the result is the same. In
minor details they may be right. In
essentials they are wrong.
1t may be that the hope of peace
and progress held out by the League
of Nations will be dispelled. It may
be that the road is frought with dam
gers. We cannot read the future.
But to withhold our aid through fear
of these things is cowardly and un-
American. To say we have money
and must keep ito let the nations
who gave most freely of their blood
and treasure 20 their way alone-is a
shameful thing.
But if we cannot trust the nations
who bore the brunt of war. then our
world is in a bad way. If we alone
are honorable and upright, if the peo-
Piles of all other lands are not to be
trusted, then the future is indeed
dark.
For the good die young. and the
world is q dangerous place with
America as lamb amid pack Of
wolves.
But the reputation of the Republic
il not such that we should run bleat-
ing for shelter. II we cannot stand
boldly forth in these troubled days,
then We cannot long avert our doom.
But these are false promises.
America must lead in the march to
q newer day. She cannot play the
quitter, even for the sake Of the 1920
election.