The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-10-21

BRIDGEPORT. Conn, Oct. 2l.-
Gov. Cox Of Ohio yesterday sent a
Telegram to Elihu Root asking him
10 correct what the Democratic can
didate declared was a false" state
ment in Mr. Roots address Tuesday
regarding the governors position on
the league Of nations issue. The gov
ernor denied Mr. Roots statement
that he demands the league Just as
Mr.. Wilson negotiated IT," and called
upon Mr.. Root for retraction.
In making public his telegram to
Mr. Root, Gov. Cox issued a state
ment declaring Mr., Root and 80
other prominent Republicans signing
the recent statement in behalf OF
Senator Harding, the Republican
nominee, were attempting to de-
ceive the voters because they are
permitting their partS,Hnship to rise
above their patriotism and trusting
perhaps that the last wobble of Sen
ator Harding may be in their direc-
ton"
Gov. Cox restated his proposal to
accept any reservations helpful" 10
the league. and contendad, therefore,
that Mr. Root had made statement
which the records show Is false"
The governors telegram follows:
"Elihu Root, New York city:
Il have before me n quotation from
your address on the league OF ma
tons, delivered In New York city.
Oct. 10, which reads Mr.. Cox de-
clared that he will insist upon the
treaty Just as Mr.. WILSON negotiated
IT, | am addressing you most re-
spectfully with recognition OF your
integrity of purpose and the signal
service which you have rendered as
public man, mindful OF the fact
that you may have fallen into error
through ignorance OF the situation
owing TO your absence from tho
United States during part or the
presidential campaign.
Facts Different.
Your statement however, Is not
In keeping with the facts you are
assumed TO know by perusal OF the
daily papers. / have invariably stated
in my address and restate here my
whole hearted desire to t1hake the
United States a member of the league
of nations, and that, to secure that
Consummation of the purpose OF
America when she entered the war, |
will accept reservations that VIII
clarity, that will be helpful, that will
reassure the American people; and
that as a matter OF good faith. will
clearly state to our associates in the
league that congress, and congress
alone, has the right to declare war
and that our constitution sets up
limits in legislation or treaty max
ing beyond which we can not 60
| have stated further that | Will ac-
cept reservations from any source
which are offered in sincerity and
with a desire to be helpful.
Il have also stated that II l am
elected president, amy election can
be construed only as a mandate or
the American people; and that to
secure ratification OF the treaty and
the league, would sit down with
the members of the United states
senate; / would confer with Mr.. VIII
son. and with you, Mr. Root, as well
as with Judge Taft, and all others
who have n sincere purpose and
whose service in the past equips
them especially as advisers in this
work.
you know, and know full we'll
that Senator Harding very recently
said: I am not interested In clarin-
cation; / am interested in rejection.
AS have stated at the begin
ming, I am placing a charitable con-
struction upon your statement that
perhaps your craftsmanship has pre-
vented your reading my addresses
and your prejudice has prevented you
from realizing theebestructionist at
titude OF your own candidate; but
YOU have made a statement concern
ing me which the records show Is
false, and l firmly but respectfully
call upon you to correct this state
ment at once.
MIR. Root you have arrived at
honorable station in life, Many peo-
pie trust you. You have no right
TO deceive them. They want the
truth in this campaign. Your con-
science will tell you that duty to 1t
should be superior to duty to your
party. . roo,
(Signed) JAMES NJ. cox,
Gov. Cox's statement, commenting
upon the Root message, said:
Il am today addressing telegram
to Elihu Root, calling upon him for