Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-07-09
i!is Encrics Confnun,icd

\V1HEN the san Francisco convention Is
V" reviewed by the future historian one
figure will stand out with cameo clca:nass
against the background OF conflicting per-
sonal ambitions and turg!d political CON
fict II is the figure OF Woodrow Wilson
Parado1ical though it may seem, his place
in this thrilling party period was achieved
not by what he did but what he refused
to do--hs Interchangeable determination not
10 be a participant in the developments on
which the party future depended. or to in
fuence the course they should take
MIR Wilson, in the evening Of his career
grows in political stature. He has won
Increased national respect because OF the
course he chose for himself and for the
tcnncity with which lie chung to IT, No
other President ever exercised such laud-
"pie acli-rcstruint. As the leader of the
party Tor seven years. the central figure
GROUND whom the worlds affairs had
Sac'hed and swiTicd ii was his duty to
lend his influence in the shaping Of the
platform. This he did, in so far as the
league OF nations plank is concerned, and
there. his duty performed. his participa, ion
ended There is 40 evidence that he by
word or decd, imposed his views on a sin
gle delegate IN any other convention matter
by this splendid alooincss- not in the
spirit That sought the best interests OF his
party, Tut IN his refusal TO interferc--hc
( has COMPOUNDED those enemies within and
without the party who pictured him as a
Dictator, seeker after a third term or as
the founder OF dynasty through the Sc
lection OF his own successor. No conycn-
/ iion ever was frter from presidential die
/ tation or interference Contrast this with
| what would have happened had any one
OF his immediate predecessors been in the
! White House with such convention in sos-
| sion The thrd-term story was branded as
! carard from its inception. No hint ever
| las beef. forthcoming that at the end of
/ his second term he would not be anxious
! to be relieved OF duties that have all but
! cost his life. Perhaps he had n choice
| among the various candidates. bat if he did
! he refrained from making it known. By
| one word lie might have brought about tho
! nomination Of his choice. but no such word
| was uttered. Thus fell the dynasty capard
! NOW, with Il candidate selected without
! lis influence. by a convention Embossed and
Gntrammeied. he is preparing to throw him
! sci! into the campaign for party success
I'with all the yigor and rcsourcefulncss Nm,
! his impaired health viii permit. Like lilo
! good soldier lie is, he secs the reins q,
leadership. so long held by him. about 70
| he transferred 20 other hands. and places
| h'mselt at the diapoaal Of the party man.
| ayers Tie whole weight OF his innuc,ce
""u MS personal efforts are at the com.
| mand o. Governor Cox. and they will nrovc
| mshty factors in the campaign. 1t throws
a new light on the personality and chnr.
acier OF tho President, and even his emo
mics must accord him the tribute OF nd
miration for his correct attitude.
s-=---.-=---=--==
Mr Marshall'k longing for rest seems
rather odd inasmuch as he is completine
his second term in tho yiee-presidency. q.