Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1920-02-10
Politics VS.. Craftsmanship.

Disregarding the appeal of President Wilson
not to make the subject of universal military
training a political issue, the caucus OF Demo-
cratic members of the house Of representatives
in Washington last night recorded themselves
by resolution, as opposed to military training
legislation by the present congress.
This seems to have been another case where
In the president proved in spirit bigger than
his party, but failed Of the endorsement OF
his party representatives. The president took
the stand that it would be unfortunate to de-
velop a party issue on the subject of military
training, particularly, as he said, "since within
a few months the party will assemble in COLI
vention and declare the principles upon which
il deems it wise to commit itself in a national
election" The president further pointed out
the disturbed state Of the world does not
permit such sureness with regard to Americas
obligations as to allow us lightly to decide upon
this great question upon purely military
grounds
The caucus, nevertheless, as stated, declared
itself in manner the significance of which
will tend to make the subject political issue.
regardless of the presidents wise warning.
The Argus in this connection does not commit
itself to any military measure before congress,
irrespective of the presidents attitude with
specie reference thereto In fact it has not
hesitated to declare its opposition to any law
that has even a tendency toward military
obligarchy. A form OF universal training for
the youth of America between certain pre-
scribed ages, such as would insure and require
physical development and instill the rudments
of discipline and obligation, would 10 doubt
be expedent but it should be Invested so far
as possible of the military aspect. The young
men Of America should be trained in the arts
OF peace and not of war; but should have held
before them the standards of real manhood and
good citizenship, respect for authority. and the
requirements of health, rather than the thought
of war.
Twenty nine representatives of state depeart-
ments of the American Legion met at Indian
apolis yesterday, and adopted resolutions which
conform very largely to The Argus idea, and
which speak for universal military training
rather than universal military service, with
| civilian control, rather than domination by the
| military caste. That sounds much more
sensible. In other words, universal training
Invested OF the military feature, is more what
the American people want.
| But all questions of opinion as 20 what is
| the proper course for the country 10 pursue,
should be lifted above the plane of politics as
| the president maintains. Universal training
/ or military training compose question which
should be for the whole people to determine,
| regardless of partisanship The subject is too
| big and too important to be befuddled with
, the things that appeal to political prejudice.
! 1t has no more place in the politics of the
country, that the League Of Nations, or the
| peace treaty, the liquor question.
Just as Republican leaders in the senate
! disgraced the country in dragging international
affairs which concern the peace of the entire
| world into politics, so the Democratic caucus
at Washington last night blundered on the sub
/ ject of universal military training.
The people are becoming sick and weary in
| having all that is Of greatest concern to them
dictated from the standpoint of politics. rather
than through the inspirations Of patriotism and
| broad gagged craftsmanship