The Greeneville daily sun. (Greeneville, Tenn.) 1918-1920, 1920-08-14

Expectation that the treaty would 30 ratified through
the election Of Gov Cox" says the New York Times, sis
based upon the solid certainty Or practical certainty that
his election on the league issue would be imperative
mandate to the Senate which that body would not have
the hardihood to disobey When, - BEG leave to ask
did election have such an eject upon the reprssena-
tves Of the defeated party! Was the election Of Clev
land in 1892 the tariff issue construed BY the re-
publcans Of congress mandate requiring them to
support tariff for revenue? Did the election Of Me-
Knley in 1895 the currency issue make the slightest
difference in the opinions the votes Of the democratic
members Of Congress! Did they bow their heads To the
mandate and approve the gold standard! We unable
to recall instance when the triumph Of party changed
the views Of the opposing party, Or accepted
command govenong the conduct Of ts representatives
Coming down to the last election within the memory
Of all Of US it cannot be forgotten that President Wilson
in October 1915 issued an appeal to the people, saying;
IF you have approved Of my leadership and wish me
continue to be your unembarrsssed spokesman in affairs
at home and abroad earnestly beg that yen viii express
yourselves unmistakably to that effect by returning
democratic majority to both the Senate and the House
of Representatives" The answer 70 that appeal was
history did the people speak SO directly and SO emphat
caly in that election and to Mr. Wilson they
spoke Did he change his attitude and his policy because
of that? He did not On the contrary it seemed to in
tensy his antagonsm to the republican party and to an
that it desired, and out Of hs course following that
crushing defeat have come all Of our difficulties in re-
Iation to the treaty
We have said, from the day that the treaty was pre-
scented to the Senate in july 1919 that it could not be-
ratified unless concessions were made that would satisfy
the republican members of the Sonata No possible re-
sut of the election effect any material change in
The personnel of that body Thrtyfour republican me
bers Of the present Senate retain their seats At least
six, and probably ten Of the present members whose
terms expire viii DO reelected Not less than forty,
and doubt more, Of tho republican members Of the
present Senate will sit In the next enc. Opposition to
the league without substantial reservations which has
been heretofore individual question: to some extent
at least, will have been fixed BY party action party
principle. The mild reservationists' will Be less ac
tive, if they exist at all the republican side Of the
next Senate Thrty-hree Senator'S in opposition cant
prevent ratification II 'sod certainty that the
election of Cox would make ratification impossible he
maintains the Wilson position, which be has now AMI
to the country as his own.
But aside from all this, the election whatever its result
cannot be properly construed a. mandate from the
people the league question While this issue Is first in
Importance, it is but enc Of many questions that will
have the consideration Of the voters Millions Of citizens
viii cast their votes for the candidates they prefer With
out regard to the league. Millions far con-
cerned in domestic questions than in participation
or nonparticpaticn in the league. The election will not
be plebiscte the league but general test Of party
strength to decide which party shall be given control
Of the administration Of government There can be no
such thing solemn referendum" on this issue, for
complicated with too many ether all Of which
subordinate, with the great majority, to the sentiment
# party loyalty Whatever the outcome Of the election
he solemn obligation win upon the Senate to fulfill
constitutional function part Of the treaty maknS
bower, and to act upon the treaty Of Versailles in accord
Nth its judgment Of the right