Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-07-28
Something, for Americans to Note.

Vots00ye S0sy S0t WV
Something, for Americans to Note.
In another column we publish edi-
orial comment from the Biddeford
Journal in which Deak comes back |
It us on our League Of Nations COM
nent Of Wednesday. We need not
here review his comeback: it speaks
Tor itself. But in connection with
The position of the Biddeford Journal
and others clamoring for radical
to the League. we refer
them to the letters Of Mr.. Taft pub
lished in the Kennebec Journal Of
Thursday.
Mr.. Taft manifestly believes that
no amendments or reservations that
would call for consideration and ac-
ton Of other powers before the
Leagues organization can be. insti-
tuted. are necessary. But rather
than see possible rejection Of the
Covenant by the Senate he suggests
interpretations of the disputed points
so that the moral purpose of America
may in advance be made plain to the
world. He has faith in the present
language Of the Covenant. and other
distinguished authorities agree with
him. He believes that the Monroe
doctrine and control of domestic
policies are properly safeguarded in
the present text. but If it will relieve
the minds Of those who claim to
doubt its efficacy, then no harm can
come of stating our understanding of
the terms, for reference to other
powers in the future should their in
terpretations differ. Should claim
for non-fulhllment of our interna-
tional obligations arise. there would
be the interpretations on which our
signature to the obligation was Sc
cured.
It matters not what we. call
amendments" If the purpose is to SO
alter the Covenant that other ma
tons must in turn take up and pass
upon the amendments and undoubt-
eddy offer other changes which we
must again take up. and so on until
the thing is dead.
Is not that the purpose of those
who refuse every solution offered by
the friends of the treaty? II so. why
not come out openly and frankly say
SO? Why pretend to be FOR a
League of Nations. when determined
! from the start to defeat it?
It is not only useless but dishonest
for men of whatever caliber o,
prominence to sneer at former
President Taft's attitude and activit,
as for a selfish purpose. from lack Of
judgment. experience. knowledge Of
International law or diplomacy
When men who seem to think they ar,
some pumpkins refer to William
Howard Taft as an "old fuddy
buddy they but proclaim their ow,
small caliber.
The country looks upon Mr.. TAT
as a high-minded. loyal American
who has devoted many months to tn,
promotion of a plan Of service to al
humanity. No one In all the worlt
has worked so long and earnestly fol
a League Of Nations as has on,
former President. The present
League Of Nations is not the inven.
ton OF President Wilson or Of any Of
those distinguished statesmen max.
ins~up the peace congress, but had its
foundation principles laid by William
Howard Taft and his associates OF
the League to Enforce Peace.
With Mr.. Taft it has not been q
campaign for political favors o,
money reward. but an unselfsh. un.
firing labor for his generation, TO,
his children and our children and oul
children's children. His example ha,
been almost without precedent in his
tory In devotion to a high ideal, il
wisdom and genius Of its prosecu
ton. in patience with and justic,
toward all critics and opponents.
Mr.. Taft's mental and moral size !,
beyond compare with some of tn.
blusterers who speak and write 1,
attack upon him. The Boston Tran
script disappoints those who hav,
long had confidence in its editoria
Integrity. by unjust, unfair and un
reasonable attacks upon Mr.. Taft
In cheap manner. worthy Of
Hearst sheet, 1t charges Mr.. Taft Will
betng in alliance with President VII
son to put over" an unholy thin,
upen the people Of America, q be
tYayi Of his country into the hand,
Of scheming European and Japanes,
DIPLOMATS. This is the siiliest o.
claD.trap. echoed and enlarged upor
BY Bocah and others.
We hope the present generation
win So NJ. TAFT and those who have
stood with him INDICATED and an.
proved. Ne. Taft may not always
have been right but ct least he has
been honest tolerant, ana fair to his
opponents. He dsseryss something
better than petty political abuse from