Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-10-21
Measures and Men

Senator Lodge, the arch conspira-
tor of the ages, is no longer famous,
but Is Infamous" This was the bur-
den of Cox's yowl throughout the
New England itinerary, varied with
attacks on England whenever he had
an Irish audience. He did not hesi-
tate to bitterly assail the English
government with which, under. the
covenant Wilson has provided, he
seeks to associate; and seeks to &C
cept the conditions giving England
the superior influence; and he prom
ised II elected to personally bring
the Irish question before the League.
We wonder how many he fooled"
While the Democratic candidate
bitterly denounced and personally
abused those who differ with him re-
specting the Wilson league Elihu
Root was addressing New York au-
dience on this same subject Natur-
ally the addresses of these men
would essentially differ, but how
strikingly sharp the contrast is may
be a matter of interest,
II do not, question" said Mr.. Root,
"Mr. Wilson's beliefs that the dispo-
sition of the treaty for which he was
contending on May 81. 1919. were
just and fair; but, without disrespect,
I do question Mr.. Wilson's infalu-
blity. do question the complete
control Of abstract Justice in the pro-
cesses by. which the four men who
dictated those treaties. which UNDER
took to make over eastern Europe,
reached their conclusions"
A somewhat different attitude from
that assumed by Cox. is it not?
Continuing Mr.. Root said:
Il have an impression that there
was the accommodation of conflict
ing interests, the giving Of some
thing here to get something there;
the yielding Of some things in order
to avoid losing others. the shading Of
justice by expediency which has
characterized such conferences since
history began. have a strong i'm
preston that some Of their conclu-
sions were mistakes.
And ! think 1t most Objectionable
that the American people shall enter
into solemn and positive agreement
to guarantee and maintain by force
OF arms for all times the dispositions
of the territory and sovereignty
which these four men made in the
year 1919.
That is a part Of what article 10
undertakes to do. It is an alliance to
enforce perpetually. through the
operations Of the league. the decis-
ions Of Mr.. Wilson and his associates
In the year 1919. 1t is a throw back
TO the old discredited alliances Of
power. and not the spirit of progress
II 10 an attempt to do what the holy
alliance sought 100 years ago with
just as noble expression Of purpose)
Ito impose by force the judgment Of
the rulers OF the present generation
upon all future generations"
Mr.. Root does not call Mr.. Wilson
scoundrel. traitor or even "in.
famous?" He yields credit to his op-
ponent's intentions. though not blind
to his fallibility: in short, he dis
cusses the question In an honorable
attitude, like a statesman, which he
is. whereas Cox-but why. after all,
bother with Cox? Already his party
has turned its attention from him
and is devoting itself to the election
Of Democrats to the House and Sem
ate.
Root makes 1t very plain that he
favors league; that there would
have been league II the president
had been willing; that the other par
ties to it are willing to meet our OBJ
Jections-indeed have some Of their
own which they wish settled.
So 1t is that Root as staunch an
American as this country produces.
fresh from association with leader
ship in other countries and the es-
tablishing Of an international court,
sees In the election Of Harding the
only solution Of bitter controversy
which already has overmuch inter-
fered with our domestic affairs.
We believe ne has the right Of It:
but IL this wcres reversed and Cox
had the better Of the argument would
you want to put the keeping Of the
executive power Of this country In