The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-10-28
GOVERNOR cox roo GLIB.
A Clergyman's Study Of the Candidate
at Madison Square Garden.

den to try TO voice the feeling of many
who did not join In the ten minutes
ovation but who were there ready to
be converted If the conversion proved
worth while for nation or world.
To his credit it must be said that the
sentences of the candidate were put to-
gether better than those of the speakers
before him. and his voice. though
much less imposing one, carried into all
parts of the vast building more clearly
than did those of former Mayor Curley
of Boston or Rabbi Wise of New York.
Mr.. Cox can be heard as few can be.
He is a clever debater. He made what
seemed frank and ready response TO
every question, and he did not seem to
have the least hesitancy as to his abil-
ity to fulfil the claim that the whole
League of Nations could be presented
and explained in the few minutes of his
public speech.
But it was this very handy man about
the house attitude that made one hold
back from too early conversion. or
course those who went there prepared
to applaud and agree found no difficulty
In this, and il is by no means surpris-
ing that out OF 100000 inhabitants
Greater New York was able to gather
together 10000 who showed enthusiasm
every time the names of Woodrow VIII
son and James NJ. Cox were mentioned.
What made others feel troubled sense
of dissatisfaction with the candidate was
this very glibness in making ready to
wear interpretations for any of the
clauses of the League or any of the do
ings of the Administration.
Is such a handy man our greatest
need in these postwar. post-WilsoD
times? ] for one can hardly see 1t. l
can imagine many OF the best minds OF
both Europe and America in the next
year or so. If this clever man is to be
our President. anxlously praying for a
little of old fashioned steadiness OF
purpose, little more Of elaboration in
word or deed. and a greater ability to
put big things first. If this be normalcy,
make the most of 1t
1t is just here that I find myself diff
/ fering from the few Independents who
have gone over to the Cox camp. After
summer of reading every word of the
speeches OF both candidates. so far as
could get hold OF them, I find myself
within ten days of election quite firmly
convinced that the steady, solid man
of deeper mental comprehension OF the
needs of the time, with a dignity OF
manner and word that refuses to be
led into personalities, who gives one the
feeling of assurance that he not only
understands but never can be STAN
peded. is not Governor Cox but Senator
Harding II / am a Judge of clear
thinking and calm ability to comprehend
great plans Harding far surpasses Cox
who In his own speeches reminds one
too much of dapper social expert.
Perhaps I am prejudiced At any
rate I have been proud OF the line Of
American statesmen that includes al
Alexander Hamilton. Daniel Webster
John Sherman, John Hay and al
Elihu Root. and I would lament NOR,
than anything else just now II our lead
ership fell into the hands of those wh'
do some routine things fairly well ant
are too glibly responsive when It come
to great and weighty matters of state.
also have n good deal of partialt.
for tho type OF man that Senator Lodg
long represented, the scholar in politics
and dread the possibility OF his oppo
site rising to the front. ] do not cal
Mr.. Cox his opposite. for he has bet
ter approach to Americanism than SOM
of mis- supporters. such as Taggart.
Curley or n Honey Fitzgerald But tn
approach Is too far off. with its per
! sonal attacks. its low description of Sen
atorial opponents of Wilson as con
spirators and partisans. its readiness Z
attribute all sorts Of bribery and ras
cality TO the other side.
find II hard for my part to belev
that any progress can be made by me-
who descend to these cheap methods o
campaigning. I also find II exceedingly
hard to believe that the best informe
man in the world ON international af
fairs, Senator Lodge. Is the "arch con
spirator OF all history" as Governor Co
over and over asserts. happen {
know something OF history. and as
rule I find myself on the side OF IN
7 many as against the one. suspect tina
should have sided with tho Senat
, against Catline in ancient Roman time,
I that in 1915 my vote would have bee
for the bishops and barons against Kin
John OF England.
!. For the same reason, where choic
became necessary. am inclined by som
t knowledge OF history and experience I
human nature TO assume that a coupl
OF score OF Senator's were. TO say th
least, just as likely 10 be free from bis
otry and partisanism as the Preslder
I OF the United States. The moral prot
lem of the day is why good men liz
: Rabbi Wise must vilify men who ha
; duty 70 perform and did II 10 the bet
: OF their ability. He happens TO thin
they ala II in malice. happen 10 thin
" they did II through knowledge and
!, sense of duty. IL this had been admit
: ted by Mr.. Wilson and his follower
there would have been a settlement ,
this League problem long ago, and
would not now be the football OF pol
tics nor awaiting the election OF cal
dldate like Mr.. Cox, who is eager
accept any sort OF reservation for vot'
received. JAMES SuEERIN.
NEW York, October 81.