Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-06-11
Nc Pl0es for Personal Vanity

w pIOC0 r0E pet00Bot V0Hity
The bulletin from Chicago that the
League plank over which there had
been considerable delay was now
ready for consideration by the con-
vention and is in such form as to oc-
casion 10 split is gratifying; but
split or no split the convention
should express. what we believe to
be the prevailing sentiment, that this
country is self reliant enough, big
enough and wise enough to assume
her rightful burden in the work Of
war prevention.
President Wilson evidently foresaw
the difficulties the Republicans
would have in shaping this plank
with regard to the susceptibilities Of
some Of the members, when, finding
that he could not stand the Senate in
the corner and fix the League TO suit
his own particular fancy, he pro-
lected il into the campaign where 1t
does not belong.
In this performance the .irrecon-
ciiabies," out of their "Americanisrn
they told us, contributed their in
iuence to Mr. Wilson's purpose.
In view Of the attitude Of the "ir-
recoaciIables" al that time It is in
teresting-and iiluminating-to note
their attitude now. as advanced by
their spokesman, Senator Borah:
We don't ask any explicit declara-
ton that will humiiiate those who
voted for ratification with reserva-
tons. Nor DO we mean to accept
anything tina. will humiliate U.s."
There spoke, the ego Of Senator
Borah, There did not speak the
-Americanism" about which he has
% long boosted. AS though that
Great representative convention Of
the great Republican party. a gath
eFing as representative of "Ameri-
oanism" rs It is possible TO assemble
should whine away its time concern
ing the personal vanity Of bakers
dosen Of men who are repeatedly on
record as adoring their beloved coun-
Try above all else,
We submit it is high time TO give
consideration to that country; and
what is best for that is good enough
for the Republican party and good
enough for Bcrah, johnson. ct ais.
We have seen inordinate ambition Of
one man, merely a man though the
chief executive Of this country, play
with peace and international reputa-
ton as cat would with a mouse, and
along with the great majority. we
believe. Of the people Of this coun-
try. We have been utterly Disguised
We regret with ex-Preadent Taft
that Senator Lodge in his Keynote
speech was not more explicit re-
speedng what the policy Of the Re-
publican party should be. We fur
Their regret that it is becoming the
custom to regard this idea Of the
League Of Nations as the personal
property Of President Wilson. Be.
fore be ever thought Of it, presuma.
bly,, Senator Lodge himself had ad
vaneed ideas in conformity with TIN
underlying principles of it and Tai,
had been working for it. Wilson
saw what he thought was the op.
portunity to adopt other mems idea,
and make them his own in the lime.
light and under the prestige of tn.
position he then occupied. That h
did some excellent work in further.
azce Of the idea we have been fire.
70 admit from the first; that he alst
wrought incalculable mischief is am.
ply demonstrated by results known
to the world.
To permit personal prejudicea per
sonal vanity-even Of Borah-to stand
in the way Of an honorable peace i.