The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1920-07-09
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.

ueInOCTdtlc pTOHOunCemenJ at Dan
Francisco Is strong document. On
nearly every issue II speaks with COM
mendable clearness and will be easily
understood. On the league of nations
1t has been so written that the Wilson
bitter enders can stand side by side
with the reseryationists. Every dem
ocrat can Judge for himself what res
ervations are not destructive OF the
league. 1t was the great Tallyrand
who said that Language was made to
conceal thought" The beautiful die
tion and stately phrases Of the plat
form on the league Of nations indi-
Gates that the platform builders were
disciples Of the great French diplo-
mat.
While on the labor question the
platform is hardly as direct and blunt
as an old fashioned democrat would
like properly analysed it gives no
more encoura cement to the Gompers
soviet idea than the republican plat
form. 1t makes ringing and une-
quivocal declaration that strikes
against the government must not be
permitted The quasi endorsement Of
the Esch-C Cummings railroad bill will
commend itself to the conservative
democrats. The Irish question had
no more place in the platform than
one about Algeria or Egypt or Tim
buctoo, but since the platform build
ers did not have the courage to ig-
more it the plank adopted is about as
harmless as could have been conceiv-
ed.
On the question of soldier bonus
Senator Carter Glass had the courage
and the, patriotism to insist that there
be no lodging and the platform ap-
proves the course of the minority
democrats like Padgett and Garrett
who refused to yield to the demand
for an indiscriminate cash bonus to
all ex-service men. The expression
of appreciation for the sacrifices and
devotion of the service men is admir-
ably written and will commend itself
to the patriotism and intelligence OF
the American people.
So far as the platform Is concerned
old fashioned democrats, disciples of
the party of Jackson, Jefferson and
Cleveland. can give the party cordial
and loyal support. 1t offers no en-
enlargement to the mischief makers
who would erect government within
government and establish the dictator
ship OF the proleteriat. 1t puts the,
democratic party on historic ground
ais the friend of all the people. Glass
consciousness is the antithesis of de-
mocracy and this the platform makes
plain.
II the people of American can be
made to understand that victory for
the democratic party does not mean
the unconditional ratification of the
peace pact the democratic party has
much better prospect for victory than
seemed probable six months ago.
But If the campaign orators interpret
the platform, which can be interpret
ed on this issue to suit the desires Of
the interpreter, to mean the accep-
lance of the treaty without any reser-
vations to safeguard American inter-
ests under Article 10 and part 13 the
victory of Harding is now assured.
Whatever the result Of the election
may be 1t is gratifying to know that
neither Of the great political parties
in this campaign has yielded to the
radical demands. On the fundamental
principles of genuine Americanism
there is no material difference be-
tween the republican and the demo
cratic platforms.
+. ------7-----------'---- --s t