The Washington herald., 1920-11-01
A Word to the Victors.

might De WlSneQ tnat tne frcSiQcnliai Cair-
paign just closed had been more notable for
u plain speaking and frank discussion. 1t would
have been well had the issues which the people
are to vote tomorrow been more clearly enunciated
and more specifically joined
For not only will there be many who will won
der as they go the polling places precisely what
is the program for against which they voting,
but after the election is decided there will remain
some uncertainty to what the nation may de-
mand from the men they have put in Office
Can anyone say precisely what policy toward
the OF international cooperation for the main
tenznce OF peace will be determined upon by the
success OF either ticket tomorrow?
The Washington Herald has consistently urged
that all the benehcent purposes of a league Of
peace would be certainly assured by the cleo
ton Of Senator Harding than by that of Gov. Cox
We have urged not because Of any doubt in the
substantial devotion OF the Democratic nominee to
the league, but because calm survey of the polti-
cal field convinced rs that whatever his desire he
would have TO deal with Senate which would be
hostile him politically, and little likely to CO.
= Operate IN any OF his policies
Ii may be said, On the eve OF election, that the
most Intelligent survey OF the field of the Senatorial
contests supports this belief
There may be those who urged that Senator
Harding has been evasiTe IN his utteranees this
issue There VIII be those who think that the posi-
ton Of Borah and Johnson rather than that of the
Republican platform expresses his purpose.
To sunh may point ont that time ago
the two HbitteI-end7 Senators withdrew from fur
the1 advocacy OF Harding and devoted themselves
to speaking foT Senators OF their faith, Bran
degee and Moses, much as Mr.. Bryan in this cam
Paign has forgotten the existence OF Gov. Cox
and devoted his oratorca talents to extolling the
-sa-<z.s-of Senators and Representatives who may
be trusted TO vote dry"
4. And even If there were not significance in this
Withdrawal Of the two most pronounced advocates
of American isolation, there would be Senator
Harding's promise to Immediately call in coun-
sci the Wisest advisers he could find in order tc
formulate practicable plan by which to or,
game the forces of the world against and for
peace
That promise at least is solemnly registered ir
the minds Of the people, and its literal fulhlmen
may properly be demanded 1t furnishes the ISSUE
b. which peace lovers may be guided as they &C
to the polls tomorrow. 1t is the pledge which mus
be redeemed in the event of Republican success.
CurousIy enough, there is hardly another ISSUE
in the minds of the people concerning which eithe
candidate is definitely committed. OF course
both arties for governmental economy, the re
duction OF taxation, the enhancement of efficiency
and such glitteriug generalities. But these ques
tions nothing has been said in the debate, and LITTLE
enough IN the Platforms, Surrlcienuy concrete Il
constitute very definite program. Except on th
league both candidates left unusually free from
pEc-electon promises.
| Nevertheless, many things other than the leagu
in the minds Of the people. Much is going tt
be expected OF the administration that shall receiv
its commission tomorrow. Especially will this b.
true if, as seems certain, the new administration
brings new party control as we'll That party
gong to be trial for four years. 1t will have It
meet demands which have been scarcely enunciater
in this campaign if it is win the permanent ap
proval of the electorate. As it has won powe
more by general disapproval of the record of tn
outgoing administration than for any other reason
it will have to guard shrewdly if it is in its
to escape like fate four years hence
| For the very reason that there has been failur
to specifically define the issues of this campaig
the responsibility and the perplexities Of the admin
istration to be chosen will be doubled pei
t:nent text for those who rejoice in victory tc
morrow night will be, Let not him that girdet
on his harness boast himself as he that puttet
it off"