Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-02-04
IT IS DANGEROUS BUSINESS
TO PLAY POLITICS WITH WAR
the Democrats From Doing II
ought to Succeed

THERE are ut least two Democrats IN the
l. Senate who eau consider issues on their
merits without the obfuscation that comes
from narrow partisanship.
One of them is John Sharp williams, Of
Mississippi. Senator Williams is a states
man before he Is Il Democrat. and when he
was the leader OF his party in the House he
consistently refused to seek partisan advan-
thge by obstructing the majority when that
majority was engaged in putting through
measures that were not contrary to the
Democratic principles.
The other is Oscar Underwood. Of Ala L.
bama. the present Democratic leader Of the
Senate and one Of the delegates to the Con-
ference on the Limitation of Armament.
1t is now intimated from Washington
that Senator Underwood is planning to do
his utmost to persuade his party colleagues
to vote for the ratification of the treaties
drafted at the Conference. He will attempt
TO override the group Of Democrats in the
Senate, sometimes called the ''spite bloc, -
who are anxious to fight the new treaties as
Senator Lodge and his associates fought
the Versailles Treaty. The feeling of these
men is natural. II is rctaliatory, and it
takes no note of the consequences
This is not craftsmanship as either Sen
ator Williams or Senator Underwood un :
dcrstands it. The issues involved in the
ratification of the treaties are bigger than
any nomentary profit that may come to one
party or the other. The peace of the world
is involved. and the settlement of other
issues is wrapped up in the success of the
effort to limit armament and to remove tho
causes OF friction in the Pacific Ocean and
in the Far East.
If for the sake Of partisan rcprisals the
agreement Of group of nations on vital
questions is TO be prevented. then there is
little hope for the future. Competitive
armament will continue and international
rivalries and jeaousics will in time bring
about another great war.
The sentiment of this Nation supports the
work of tho Conference. The RATIFICATION
of the treaties is expected without any uu-
necessary delay. From the narrow partisan
point Of view. AS we'll as the broad minded
one. Senator Underwood believes that it
would be fatal mistake for the Democrats
to challenge this sentiment. And from the
partisan point of view he can make out a
strong case.
The Democrats supported the Versailles
Treaty. which provided for the adjustment
of all the issues which the Washington
Conference has been considering The Re-
pubicans called conference to do in part
what the League of Nations would have
zone II the lnlted states had entered it,
Therefore, Senator Underwood can say. the
Democrats will not quibble over methods.
nor will they refuse to accept part of what
they sought because they could not get it
all Consequently they should heartily sup
port what has been done while they regret
that tho party in power has not gone far
ther. Senator Williams will doubtless sup.
port Senator Underwood in such Il state.
ment of the case.
Ii this shalt hr tho result. then rhr an
preaching congressional election all! bc
fought on internal issues The Democrats
will charge the Republicans with failure in
carrying out their program of domestic
legislation, and will do their best TO make
out n case. And the Republicans, Of
course. will insist that they have done all
thar was possible under the crcumsta anros.
Fut the important thing this winter
il the ratihcation of the treaties and tho
demonstration that the Iuit"d States is
prepared 70 assume its share of tho rc-
spon$ibilit! for preserving world rcacc
through 90 operation with he other nations
lt the Democrats can persuade themselves
that statosmanship is the most intcllccnt
partisansh'p. tn" thing will be done.