The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-10-11
Editorial
of the Day
HARDING LOSES GROUND
(From Muskogee Phoenix.Inde-
pendent)


pendenD
Senator Harding has at last told
us, in phraseology that is unusually
plain for him, his attitude upon the
league OF nations. He is opposed to
1t, with or without qualifying reser-
vations.
Governor Cox who for several
weeks endeavored to tread the middle
ground of the league with reserva-
tions. has declared in less certain
terms than Mr.. Harding that he
prefers 1t as Mr.. Wilson brought 1t
back from Paris
Thus have the waters been consid-
erably clarified but they have as
yet by no means been made crystal
pure. Both men speak of the"
league Of nations Both, so far as
possible, refrain from reference to
a league or association OF nations
that might be different from the pact
the president champions. OF course.
Mr. Harding some time ago outlined
some such association of nations but
1t was at its best vague, mythical
thing that Governor Cox has very
properly assailed.
Mr.. Harding has. however, OF his
own volition made Mr.. Wilson's
league the issue of the campaign
so far as the league can be an issue.
He stands opposed TO IL, Cox sup
ports. It. Those who believe the
league OF nations question para
mount 10 the other issues OF the
campaign. who consider the accept
ance OF the treaty as II was written
at Versailles more important than
the adjustment OF purely American
problems must. II they be sincere.
vote for Governor Cox. Those who
oppose the league OF nations as Mr.
Wilson gave 1t TO us--elther with or
without reservauons-must vote for
Senator Harding.
Many will feel that Senator Hard
ing has made grievous mistake.
He has .alienated many good Repub.
leans who believed his first utter.
ances, who felt that once he was
elected he would place America In
league TO prevent war with the
rest of the world Indeed. he may
still do so; he has still left a back
door ajar. but many who prefer the
wide open front portals will turn 10
Mr.. Cox.
Harding apparently has fallen VIC
tim to the threats OF johnson and
l3orah. He has been led into the con.
viction that they speak the voice of
the majority OF the Republican party.
The experience Of his own nomina.
ton should have told him better.
The people Of America. regardless
OF politics, favor "a league Of nations
more and more as they learn the
truth. lf an election could be ho'd
upon that sole issue, II. as Mr.. VIII
son seeks to make this election. IL
could be a referendum upon the
league of nations. Mr.. Cox migh,
easily defeat MIR Harding.
But fortunately for the senator
and as unfortunately for Mr. Cox
there are other issues. The most of
those who advocate league OF ma
tons had rather lend their aid for a
change OF government at Washing
ton and then trust to luck" And
to an extent they are right II will
really matter little where Mr.. Hard
ing stands-if, indeed he knows-be.
cause the next senate of the United
states will demand some form of
league ot nations.
Mr.. Cox will grow In strength from
now until election day and Mr.. Hard.
ing will lose but not even the mos,
partisan Democrats will stake moro
than bad penny tina, the shift win
be enough to elect their candidate.