The St. Joseph observer., 1920-03-13
THE COP FUTURE Is CONCERNED

A return TO normal conditions in
this country and abroad was conting-
ent on the prompt ratification of the
treaty which he had negotiated, was
what President Wilson toto me Amer
team people when he returned from
Paris and ne has repeated that state
ment many times since-end each re-
pitition has fomented within the ranks
of the treaty's opponents a furore Of
protest. What storm indeed, his
first statement created. The repub-
licans not only derided his theory but
went so far as to charge him with
playing politics." with attempting to
drag into the mire OF partisan strug-
gle the historic document of Versail-
les
But how different is the cry Of the
opposition today We read every day
now the pitcul walls Of these men
who formerly secuted the very idea
embodied in the treaty-especially in
the league Of nations-beseeching the
senate to accept the treaty with the
Lodge reservations. "Ratify." they
cry. If Europe is TO be saved" An
enterprising Journalist, writing in an
eastern newspaper, voices the opinion
that there is hope for Europe in
Europe il America ratifies some kind.
almost any kind. Of a peace treaty
quickly"
And just now at this very moment
that is the scheme and ruse which
gops in their desperation TO save their
political hides are trying TO put over
on the people. The difference is one
Of motive alone. At the time Mr.. Will
son informed the people that brother
hood. political fairness, national in
tegrity and world cooperation hing
ed upon the ratification he had the in
terests of this country at heart. What
political motive could he, indeed have
had at that time? But today. in the
frenZied efforts TO put over a treaty
which the president cannot, in honor
and good faith, accept the opposition
is again betraying its partisan ami
mus; its determination to put the presi-
dent In a hole.
Immediately following the signing,
these politicians considered as poss-
ible the ratification Of the treaty in
its original form and intent They
clusion that a modified" that is 70
say, mutilated inpotent pact would
ultimately be adopted, following the
traditional delay and wind -jamming
Of congress. They did not reckon up
on the spirit with which Mr.. Wilson
and his supporters would wage their
fight for high ideal. how dctcrmin-
edly they would stand for the rights
OF the people and for the safeguard
ing Of Americas honor before the
world
Mr. Wilson cannot be stampeded.
The American public cannot be STAN
peded. Americans are not built that
way. They went into the war for an
IDEAL, and IL necessary they will be
found ready to clinch at the polls in
November the nail they started at
Chateau -Thierry.
Everything thac II was possible for
him 10 do has been done by the Presi-
dent TO keep the treaty out OF politics,
but TO have agreed TO a lifeloss thing.
covenant without soul or body.
would have been equal 70 dragging the
original pact Into the mire. And the
presidents adyorsaries will never be
able % convince the people that is was
he who was responsible for the whole
question coming before the voters. II
that should be the case. And If such
does become the case it mny be a
good thing, after all AT least the
electors will then have the opportuni-
ty Of expressing themselves directly.
without being forced to submit their
opinion 10 the refining" process to
which public opinion is so often sub
le"ted AT the hands ~ representa-
tive" gentlemen at Washington.
The champions Of the treaty do not
fear the verdict of the people. As A
matter Of principle they wour. have
kept the question ont of .hc campaigu
The republicans are forcing it there
They realize this. now that Is too late
and THIS reaHzstlou is responsible FOR
their recent fr"nzied eNhortarons 10
ratify Immediately amy kind" ~ q
treaty IL may he thai this rlufica,
'on is sought az they say bo,svs,
they believe Europe's future rs De
pendent upon IT, r. is more likely
however that it is the future OF IN.
q. O. r. that concerns these gentle
men most just now.