Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1920-04-13
Shall an American Senator
Be Abused and ViIified for
Exercising a PrerogatWe
Given Under Constitution?

Hon. Wright Willingham, of Rome,
one of the leading attorneys in Geor-
gia. has sent The Journal the fol-
lowing card, in which he discusses
the League of Nations and indorses
Senator Hoke Smiths candidacy for
president:
Editor The Journal: No thought
full, patriotic American should be
required 10 make apology at this
time for expressing an opinion in re-
gard to the League of Nations. for
the reason that it must be obvious
to everyone that the League Of Ma,
tons, planned either with or without
the reservations adopted by the
large majority of the senator's, in
wolves a major operation and a sub
stantial departure from the inter
national policy which the Uniteu
States has observed since it became
a nation.
In the light of the tremendous at
emulation of wealth and power ana
prestige as nation, and for the pun
pose Of using this power where pos.
sible for broad and NUnselfSh pur-
poses, aiding where possible the
weak and war-like nations of IIu.
rope and maintain internationa,
peace and prosperity. [ for one
have been deeply interested in the
creation of some international TIL
bunal to which this country mighl
become a party for the accomplish
ment of the ends suggested without
subordinating our government to Il
super-structure inconsistent or H.
compatible with american traditions,
the American constitutions. or tbs
ideals of the founders of this gov,
eminent; America having grown to
its present position of usefulness
and power by observing the fUnd2.
mental principles OF our forefather$
1t has become common for many
Officeholders, off1ce-scekers and some
newspapers to assan the democracy,
the patriotism and the loyalty OF
every man who entertains z conviG-
ton which in any wise conflicts wits
the opinions of Mr.. Wilson
I don't know what it takes to COZ
stitute loyalty. but l nave alWay,
tried to be. at least an average ell.
zen. II enliStilg fo@ service in the
United States army when this cour-
try is involved in war should be cor
sidered one of the qualifications OIL
patriotism and loyalty. the record Is
in my favor. as this country has
been engaged in two wars since /
became a man and | w"s one Of the
first men to volunteer foT service Il
1898.
If devoting ones life to the al
vancen1ent of the community Wha.c
that life has been spent is any
test. | claim no e-enlnercc IL TINS
respect over many others. hut wonl"
insist If that issue should be draw
and made the test that ! have trie&
Doesn't Asssil Their Patriotism
The record is certainly in my Ia
vor when it comes to the matter of
seeking public or political emolu-
ments, for I have never enlisted IN
any of these competitive activities
and have been content to walk hum
bly, in the ranks with my 1eifo"
/ am not disposed to assail the
patriotism OF the president or any
of his followers in their efforts to
fasten on othis country what [
conceive to be yoke of interna-
tfonalisnl, subordinating. as | believe.
this government to a superStructure
representing the amalgamated asp1-
rations of heterogeneous Europe,
linked with the subtle ana
diplomacy of the Orient.
But on the other hand. while | do
not asSail the patriotism OF Mr.. W IL
son and his followers in project
of this character ] am quite clear
in the opinion that these folks have
faith, patriotism and loyalty.
1t is more often true, than other.
wise. that newspaper critics and
office-holders and office seekers spend
their energies in denouncing the OPP
ponents of the League of Nations
without reservationS) than in a fair
analysis of the League of Natoins.
The American people have right
TO information and a free and fair
discussion of the principles involV-
ing it. in order that every man may
form an unbiased judgment as to
the course which this country should
pursue III this far-reaching transac-
ton
The reservation. so far as Article
x is Involved. simply provides that
the United States shall assume no
obligation under Article X, unless in
congress shall provide for the en-
p!oyment of the military and naval
forces of the United States. What
can be the objection to this proVi-
sion? And yet President Wilson says
that this reservation takes the heart
out OF the treaty
Is it the purpose of the president
to convey to Europe and Japan the
idea that this country will war when
it suits the nations of the earth for
US to war, and without vote of our
congress? And is 1t the idea to con-
vey to Europe and Japan that we Will
throw our material resources into
the common pot when Europe and
Japan so votes without the aflZma-
tive declaration OF congress-?
Why Negative Assumption?
| an not content to rest upon the
negative assumption that this coun-
try cannot go to war in the face OF
our constitution unless there be ali
act of congress authorizing war.
[ want to say to Europe and Japan
that the United States will not
agree 10 defend the territorial pos
sessions of England, Japan, or any
other member of the League of Ma
lions unless in each instance the
American congress authorizes such
action. | want these people to un
derstand clearly that we do not Ell
ter into this covenant with any sort
OF legislative or moral obligation tC
Involve our resources in Europea
and Oriental wars unless the Amer
lean people, speaking through thcii
repro" oHtatives in Washington shall
SO oIcct at the time.
Il tats tGles the heart out OF the