Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1920-02-13
What d Bitter Pill for
The. "Bitter Enders'I
= oTHING could bring more optimism to

s. N OTHING could bring more optimism 10
4 The majority of peace-loving Ameri-
q cans than the pessimism which is said
Ito have taken hold Of the Senate "1rrecon-
cilables" The Borahs and the Reeds are
: gloomily apprehensive, Washington obserV-
ers say, that in consequence of Democratic
4and Republican negotiations now going for
ward the Treaty will be ratified at no very
distant date Their hopes had been big that
both principal parties to the issue would
stand so unbending as to preclude any sort OF
constructive agreement. They were in high
feather when Senator Lodge spoke Of yield
ing no inch beyond his original reservations;
and their first reaction to President Wilson 8
recently published letter was one Of chort-
ling glee over what they construed as an
other and perhaps fatal obstacle to compro-
mise.
But second thought has drawn just the
contrary conclusion from the Presidents out
giving, the concensus of judgment now be-
ing that he will accept reservations
which do not nullify devitalize the
League Covenant At the same time ap-
among Senator Lodge and his supporters.
Evidently they have weighed the wise coun-
sci of Republicans like Mr.. Hayes who as
chairman of their National Committee warns
them that it will never do to go before the
country on a record of defeating the Treaty
of Peace.
Certainly no party that forced long and
bitter fight on the hustings over an extreme
ly delicate as we'll as important question OF
International relations question which the
Senate itself is Constitutionally bound to
settle-would be safe trustee of the ma
TONS momentous affairs. It is reassuring
that Democrats and Republicans alike seem
to discern more and more clearly how tin-
wise it would be and how wrongful to the
country to thrust this issue into the Presi-
Dental campaign. The 'Irreconcilables"
and all other foes to q plan of information
al co-working for peace would welcome the
opportunity to make themselves heard from
the housetops in denuncation of the great
principles which the pending covenant en-
bodies and the great hopes of which it is the
ark. Likewise all lingo and alien elements
in our midst bent upon engendering hatred
against any of the Allies would hail with
malicious pleasure a chance to work out
their schemes through national campaign.
But these are the only groups, as we see it,
who would have cause for congratulation The
majority Of Americans rightly insist that the
Treaty with its vital and urgent bearing on
our own we'll as the worlds wellbeing,
should not be held up for long months of
partizan battle but without further delay
should be disposed of in statesmanly and
constructive fashion.
This cannot be done, however, unless
there is spirit Of reasonable accommoda-
ton on both Sides A stiff-pecked attitude on
the part of those Republicans and Democrats
who want ratification but who are divided
as to the import and advisability Of certain
clauses in the Treaty as it stands, is Just
what the Bitter Enders" delight in But
when the Lodge group and the White House
group put aside partisanship, when they be-
gin to negotiate in the temper Of Americans
whose chief concern is to serve their coun-
try's interests and exalt her name in this
high hour of human history, then indeed
nave the lmplacable foes Of the Treaty cause
for pessimism, and the country cause for re-
joicing.