Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-08-07
G,ssuias''8 GSsuias 9es,sfdsy assdS 1876
Democratic and Patriotic.

In his letter accepting the Democratic
nomination for President, made public
TODAY and given in full elsewhere in this
issue. James Middleton Cox of Ohio con-
vcys a message Of inspiration and conf
dence 20 every Democrat in the country,
and Of hope and assurance TO every inde-
pendent citizen who may be seriously
debating the claims Of the rival political
parties and the merits Of their respective
candidates for President, with view TO
determining how he should cast his ballot
a. the November election. For it ie both
Democratic and patriotic. II thrills
Democrats by it's resonant advocacy OF
Democratic principles combined with an
eloquent tribute 10 the great work the
party has done for the country during the
past seven wears. And it assures inde-
pendent voters who feel real concern for
the future of the country by its adherence
to those principles for which our govern
ment engaged in great war, and for
which so many Of its gallant young men
fought. and 80 many gave their lives. he
made il cleear to the people that if elect
ed President be will do all in his power 70
maintain the prestige and glory we right
fully achieved in the heroic struggle for a
world democracy, and avert an ignomin-
L,us reputation of all the inspiring prin-
eiplrs that were 80 signally indicated by
the result Of that memorable struggle.
Governor Cox, ae was expected, makes
ratification Of the Treaty Of Peace and the
League OF Nations the prominent feature
Of his notable deliverance. In this he
struck a staggering blow at the insolent
and repeated challenge Of hi. competitor
20 show where he stands in respect of this
momentous issue. The paltry politicians
Of the Republican rarty now have
knowledge of the humiliating and alarm
ing position in which they placed them
selves when they encouraged their candi-
date 20 adopt this demeaning policy,
hoping thereby 20 place the Democratic
leader on the defensive and pin him IN q
position that might bring upon him the
contempt Of the country. Mr.. Harding,
although standing in such a non-commit-
sal position that enemies Of the League of
Nations like Senator Johnson. hail him
az their champion in opposition, while ex-
President Taft accepts him as the Leagues
warm friend finds his question answered
inamanner that leaves him not the slight
est ground for cavil. and with no room for
challenging the sufficiencs Of the deliver
anoe without convicting himself OF an
unpatriotic hostility towards the League
OF Nations which it will no longer be pos
sibls for him 10 conceal.
Denouncing, with righteous scorn and
scathing comment Mr. Hardlngs evaslve
attitude towards this grave issue, and his
astounding favor of entering into separ-
ate peace with Germany, thereby basely
r.pudiating our allies in the war for
humanity. Governor Cox boldly declares
81 am in favor of going in" of placing thi.
country squarely with It's allies IN full and !
potent membership with the League Of
Nations He speaks without evasion or |
eouvocation. He favors ratification OF
the League Covenant without any reserva-
tions that would impair its integrity as |
endorsed by the Democratic national plat
form, and with those reservations only
that would be in accord with its spirit and
intent. within the limits Of our Consti-
tuition. and would disturb none of its
vital principles
Senator Harding and his senatorial
colleagues who would make of the high
Office Of President a mere mouthpiece Of a
reactionary senatorial coterie, now have
their answer ~ 20 where Governor Cox
stands in respect of the League Of Nations.
They will not relish his square and manly
utterancee. any more than they will his
stern denunciation and exposure of the
hollowness and hypocrisy Of their party's
discreditable position. He has answered
their challenge with blow straight from
the shoulder and they are left staggering
from the impact. And he has inspired .
Democrats and patriotic citizens every ,
where with admiration for bis courage and
his fighting qualities In a word, he has
proved himself the leader of great
political party whom all it's members and
thousands who are not. will be proud to
follow.
Other questions, mainly domestic in
character, are gwen consideration by
Governor Cox in bis letter of acceptance
He advocates q reduction Of war taxes,
and shows the astounding ineficiency Of
the Republican party IN respect of this
important matter as revealed by the q
failure of Republican Congress to take c
single step in this direction after more Q
than year of pxoftless and money-wast- s
ing ssasion. He especially favors re- T
ductlon u the taxes now paid by laboring