Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-08-08
Cox Meets the Test

Cox Meets the Test
"a the Democratic candidate, l FAVOR
"A going in" There is nothing 'wob-
bly," no doube-facing no meaningless plat-
tudes, no trimming and lacking TO catch the
political breezes, in that fne straight-from-
the-shoulder statement OF James NJ. COX on
the league OF nations in his acceptance ad-
dress. Therein he has boldly met the chal-
lenge hurled at him by the Republican man
ayers. he has met the test of his fitness for
the Democratic leadership. he has demon
strated that he possesses the courage and
the convictions demanded at time like this
OF candidate and President; no has
shown himself Il stanch representative OF
the American conscience, an uphoder OF
the American ideal. and given ample war
rant for the confidence that in his hands
the government once more will be able to
stand proudly erect to the world its faith
unbroken. its honor untarnished
Governor Cox approves the league of ma
lions. he indorses the covenant which
it is founded. and he stands squarely and
firmly on tho San Francisco platform which
demands its ratification without rcserya-
lions that would impair its essential integ-
rity In his uneqnivocal Endorsement OF
the league there can be no hint OF any sur
render to the administration, for he con-
Pounds his enemies by quoting from his own
words spoken long before he became his
partys standard bearer. His attitude has
undergone no change. Governor Cox stands
for the covenant as it was written and
brought back from Paris by President Will
son. Like the President. he is not averse
to- but rather approves interpretations or
reservations drawn to clarity ii and make
it unmistakably plain to Americas associates
Just what its position is, that its Consti-
tuition is its supreme law, not 10 be contra
Vened by covenant or treaty, and under its
provisions this nations war-mak king power
rests solely with the Congress. In justice
To its associates and itself there must be no
mental reservations nor evasons. With all
the force at his command he denounces Sen
ator Harding's promised separate peace with
Germany as mot only piece Of bunglng
diplomacy, but plain unauthorized dishon-
esty as we'll
Governor Cox promised a declaration OF
principles so clear, so simple and emphatic
that every American school child could I'M
derstaDd where and for what he stood. That
promise he has kept in the spirit and the
letter. No more forceful, frank and honest
paper ever has been drawn by the candidate
OF a great party. He has his own construc-
tive ideas on every issue, international or
domestic. and he gives them succinctly and
fearlessly. He is outspoken and construc-
tive where his Republican opponent was
vague, mysterious and afraid. His arraign-
ment of the Republican party in its position
on the vital issues that confront the nation
is scathng. an indictment that must cause
It's leaders and its supporters TO hang their
heads In humiliation and shame, for it is
all true. Their appeal for the nations suf-
frage he characterzes as one of selfshness,
cupidity, inconsistency, narrow isolation,
faithlessness and shameful disregard of the
country's accomplish ment in the great war.
and of the magnificent army abroad and the
glorious conduct Of the men and women at
home which made it possible
Addressing himself to domestic issues.
Governor Cox displays grasp that is truly
surprising 10 those who have not followed
his career closely, and gratifying even 10
those who already knew that he was of full
presidential stature. In his discussion OF
them he has remedies. in striking contrast
10 senator Harding who could not or was
afraid TO go beyond conditions In the
S'aDillZlhg OIL the country's financial condi-
non, tile revision OF the taxes, removal of
the onerous war burdens, curbing of tho
prohteers, problems affecting capital and
labor the railroads. the farms. the schools
tho roads and waterways, the merchant ma
rine the returned soldiers, Amcricanization
immigration, rigid enforcement OF the law
and the UNFOLDING of the Constitution: in
brlet, in every issue bearing on the nations
well-being. he manifests n breadth OF view.
sympathetic understanding and a sancncss
OIL treatment that must inspire confidence.
regardless of political creed, and draw TO
MS support the independent. progressive
loyal thought of America. And, il elected
ne VIII not he party President or admin
is'cr il. party government. He is emphatic
on mat point Harding has pledged him
sen TO government by party" but Cox
purposes 10 be an American President. ad-
mlnistering an impartial government of, for
ana by the American people, and from that
course no party interest or expcdiency sb,u
swervc him.