The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1920-10-08
Why Should Be Elected President
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We are contending. Could the ques-
ton be lifted from the arena of par
I tisanship and could the referendum
which we have invoked be by direct
ballot, there would be no opposition.
I Unfortunately, our system OF govern
I ment has not provided a choice so di-
rect. nor manner of expression that
would leave so small doubt as to the
sentiment of America. We say this
I from a field of personal experience,
/ for like the certain rich young man OF
Biblical story, we, too. have seen the
7 type of Incorporating partisan who
turned away sorrowfully," for party
seemed more important than duty or
/ honor.
ID matters little whether we say that
we feel deeply. that we sympathize for
those across the seas in their troubles
when we fail to act in their behalf.
The successful issue of the war left q
duty on our hands, a duty like that
which We performed in Cuba nearly a
generation ago and like that which
has been brought close to completion
IN the Philippines. We faced Chris
I tian duty toward our associates and
even toward the people of enemy
lands. II was our obligation to bind
up the wounds OFF the war and to show
by example the fulfillment of high
ideals voiced by the leaders of the
world thought.
There came 20 us the divine oppor-
tunity TO act quickly and with high
Christian purposes. We might with
one stroke have become the counsellor
aud friend OF all humanity, its guaran-
tor that all the forces of morality
would be enlisted upon the side NJ
peace. But the precious moments
were wasted in fruitless discussion,
I IN idle chickering's. in invention Of
fancied situations. purposely forget
ting that the great purpose of the
Z League OF Nations was to band the
world togther I'm a great brotherhood
against war. We were to lead the ma
tions back to peaceful ways but
through our own wavering we actually,
By reason of small coterie of men we
think wrongly advised, have drenched
Europe and Asia with new wars.
I The great heart of America has al
ways been right upon this great issue.
I There has never been time when as
sociations of men and women, indie.
pendent OF partisanship, have turned
from the League proposal. America
gave freely i'm aims to every war-torn
/ nation i'm the world. She sent her de-
voted bands of workers to relieve dis
tress. She sent her nurses to heal the
sick. She sent her contributions to
feed the hungry. She opened her
warehouses TO clothe the naked. she
willingly gave hes talent, through
private auspices, to help bring life
hack 10 normal. Her men of finance
gave counsel; they offered credit and
we applauded. We were touched by the
words OF associations and individuals
10 lessen wars terrors and to rebound
the wrecked civilization-but foolish
men. vain men. envious men, forbade
our government to do in larger form
the same sort CT acts which, done by
private auspices, we applauded as evil
dences of Christian purpose.
And the good that we sought to do
was lost in our larger neglect. Weak
fears that in helping the world, fam
tastic forebodings that in taking our
stand for peace everlasting, imaginary
perils that in service we might be sur
rendering our birthright of indepen-
dence. restrained our more noble I'M
pulses. While famine stalked and the
world cried to heaven for our help we
debated selfish questions. Our nation
became a silent but effective partner
in undermining Christian Civilization
causing the desparing people OF
Europe. friend wand enemy alike, to
turn. in very agony, to those who de-
MED the fundamental precepts upon
which our society rests.
Someone has called this black oes-
pair. "satanism.' the belief that the
laws and deeds of God and men are
set against the victim. And We
through the perversity of few men
have been silent enemies OF Christian
faith and allies, indeed. of this ne.T.
soourpe Of mankind. There are hap
niness and satisfaction in the though'
that we have not this fault to bear II
Is not strange to us that those VINO
nermitted narrow views and ungen
aro,,s nnrnose to thwart our nation ID