New-York tribune., 1920-02-26
Why Leonard Wood?

General Leonard Wood formally
consents to the use of his name as
q Presidential candidate.
The question may thus now be
asked, "Why Wood?" What reasons
justify his candidacy? What claims
has he on the consideration of the
American people?
In the way of giving honoring
testimony where it seems richly due
these things may be said: He has
earned a place as great national
figure; he has shown the rare quality
called vision; he has been a doer
throughout a crowded life, and his
repute rests not on words. He has
a character whose soundness and
beauty have endured many search
ing tests.
General Wood belongs to no state
or section. 1t happens he was born
amid the Cape Cod folks of Massa-
chusetts, but is at home anywhere
in America-in New Mexico as much
as in New York, in South Carolina
as much as in Illinois. He is big
enough to be seen across the con-
tinent, and is not called on to ask
for support as a favorite son.
General Wood has vision-that in
stinctive quality by which some men
sense the future and it's problems.
In 1902 he attended the maneuvers
Of the German army. The Kaiser
thought his quiet. unfatterable
visitor was dull-was not aware
that his keen mind had clearly
pierced the Kaiser's secret. A
danger threatened America and the
world, and General Wood saw it.
He refused the Order of the Black
Eagle, but subsequently accepted a
decoration from France. Other men
were blind. Let US rejoice he was
not.
The vision guided him. Two un-
forgettable things he contributed to
winning the war. He laid the
foundations of the public opinion
that brought conscription promptly,
and he was the father of the Platts-
burg idea. He endured the reproach
of being a miltarist to secure the
one, and pushed the other despite
the frantic threats of the Adminis-
tration. Except for conscription and
the Plattsburg preparation of off,
GERS the 100000 Americans would
scarcely have arrived in time.
Princeton University paid a
merited tribute when it conferred
a degree and said:
I'm our defenseless state he has
sounded the reueille to a,vaken q
sl4mbering nation from its dream
Of security, bidding as rise and take
our place like men to save our
freedom and help to sove the
freedom of the .Uorld."
AS doer General Wood revealed
himself when he was administrator
Of Cuba, and later of the Philip
pines. His repute is international.
His achievements are compared to
those of Cromer and Miner. Tact,
foresight, patience, business judg-
ment, imagination and sympathy
these elements were mixed in him
and won him the confidence of proud
but backward peoples.
Touching the character Of the man
only one incident need be mentioned
In July, 1918, his division, the 89th.
reached the port of debarkation
The generals baggage was aboard
when an order came from Washinp-
ton relieving him of command
There was almost mutiny. He
called his officers together and said
to them: II am going back to Camn
Funston tomorrow, where I shall,
give the best that is in me to the
training of the new troops. Do not
concern yourselves with my case, but
get your mind on the uar. II vou
would please me play your part
cheerfully, and well-that means
when in action never fail to take