New-York tribune., 1920-09-19

traditions of the nation. Never in our
history had an opposition party so
completely subordinated all partisan
differences to the support Of the Ad-
ministration. It was to the President,
the Commander in Chief, the trustee
Of the executive authority of. the ma
tion, and not to the lender Of the Dem
oeratic party, that this support was
given, and regardless of party, every
resource Of talent, of wealth, of skill,
of industry, the flower of the nations
manhood, and the sacrifice of men and
women everywhere in all spheres of
effort were at his command. In truth,
1t was the Republican leaders, insist
cheney in military effort, who in larg-
est measure furnished the driving
power behind an Administration which
too long had fatuously cherished a
false security and too long had been
benumbed by inactivity and indiffcr-
ence to the vindication of American
rights.
Democratic Assurances Delusive
-Four years ago the Republicans de-
manded adequate preparedness, and
the protection of American lives and
property; that ohr rights as a nation
should not only be asserted on paper
but should be promptly and fearlessly
maintained. This constant insistence
on the fundamental demands of Amer
lean honor the Democratic leaders
made the pretext for the sounding of
an alarm that Republican success
meant war.
"The Democratic convention rocked
with ecstasy as its orator portrayed the
plight of war-torn Europe and the
nd 60 ~ nf
sides which had been maintained by
the pride that could not stomach fight
ing. Billboards on every hand depict
ed the European battle scene and the
happy American family free from the
touch of war. Thus, despite the por-
tent of the hour, the Democratic party
met the essential demand for the
maintenance of American rights with
seductive and dclusve assurances, and
the cry, 'He kept US out of war;, won
success for the Administration and
paradoxically secured it's opportunity
to conduct our part in the greatest
war of history. The election was fol-
lowed by q solemn declaration of pol
campaign. There must be Peace with
out victory an announcement as ILL
advised as has been the recent conduct
of our foreign affairs which has left us
victory without peace.
Shocking State of Unpreparedness
"I review this situation briefly be-
cause it discloses responsibility for
subsequent difficulties. I do not at
all detract from the great endeavor
put forth by the Administration. But
1t was the endeavor of one suddenly
aroused from lethargy and sadly bewil-
dered as he gathers his strength. We
were found in shocking state of un-
preparedness. I do not refer to the
later extraordinary demands, which
could not have been anticipated, but
to that reasonable measure of pre-
paredness which prudence demanded
and which would have greatly facili-
tated the subsequent effort. Of course,
some things had been done, but you
could not make preparedness march to
and Peace without victory
"Domestically, the first issue is econ
omy and reduction of taxation. How
are we to achieve this? Assuredly, we
must have improvement in method.
Proper budget making is essential, but
method is not enough. The Republi-
cans in Congress have made an excel
lent beginning in cutting upward of
two billions out of the departme ia
estimates. 1t is sound instinct of the
people at this time to demand a change
in administration. We need the prun-
ing knife used by those who take Of
flee intent upon using it.
End Reign of Extravaganza
at is idle to trust those who have
been in power during the war period,
with its lavash outlays, it's indifference
to expense, it's reckoning in billions as
we formerly reckoned in millions, with
this duty of economy and retrenchment.
The clearest call of the day is to put
out the party which is responsb ble for
this extravaganza and install the party
pledged to economy, competent to Sc
cure economy by its respect for bust
ness organization, and with every rea-
son in party ambition to make sood its
promise
THE Administration should not es-
cape rebuke for its fragrant disregard
of the fundamental principles of lib
erty. 1t has talked much of democracy
and liberty, but these have been be-
trayed in its own house. We have been
amazed at the abuses scathingly de-
nounced by the Federal Court in Bos-
ton. We have burned with shame and
indignation as we have read the report
of the Committee of Twelve, including
distinguished deans of law schools and
ar ar1iDonf nrofaScora nf II,