Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-07-03

Though the virtues OF that spirit are less
praised than in years gone, they are not
therefore now less important Local self
all government. Where it langushes, either
freedom or security soon will fail, and at
length both will perish. Preserving the
rights Of the States does not mean maintain
ing wrongs that seek shelter in theory or
a tradition. 1t does mean the hating OF a
tendency which, If long continued, will reduce
the individual commemorative ,, the nation
to mere satrapies deprived not only of their
sense OF freedom, but as we'll of their sense
arrive the cause of good government as we'll
as of liberal government in America would
be fast on the way to ruin. For in a country
so vast as ours and so varied in Its regional
and local problems, there need to be in each
state that keen regard for obligations and
that wholesome feeling of liberty which to-
gether give the power of initiative and con-
troll Only thus can there be free and eff
cient government in a nation Of one hundred
way from the Atlanti; to - Pacific and
from perpetual snow to never easing sum-
mer. The Democratic party, as the exponent
of this principle in the brave days OF old,
does we'll to reaffirm it now and to challenge
its nveterate foes.
Standing true to the best in its past, the
Democratic party is at the same time mind
full Of the light and the duty of a new day.
1t sees the need, the economic as well as
moral need, Of Americas cooperating for the
great common interests Of humankind 1t
renews it's declaration of confidence in the
ideal of world peace, the League of Nations
and the world court of justice as together
constituting the supreme effort of the states
and the rel1gi us Goo on of our
time to organize the world for peace" That
utterance is UNNECESSARILY beyond and above
anything that the Republican convention cor
ceived let alone expressed. But the New
party ITO do all in its power to secure for
our country that moral leadership in the
family of nations which, in the providence OF
God, has been so clearly marked out for It,"
Nor is this general commitment left without
defined program of action. There Is no
substitute for the League of Nations" the
platform AYERS, "as an agency working for
peace; therefore we believe that, in the in
terest Of permanent peace, and in the lifting
of the people, and in order to establish per-
manent foreign policy on these supreme
questions, not subject to change with chang
ing of party administrations, 1t Is desirable,
wise and necessary to lift this question out
Of the party politics and to that end to take
the sense of the American people at refer
endum election, advisory to the government,
to be held officially under act Of congress,
free from all other questions ano candidates.,
discussion throughout the country, upon the
question in substance as follows: Shall the
United States become a member of the League
of Nations upon such reservations or amend
ments to the covenant of the league as the
president and the senate of the United States
may agree upon Immediately upon an af-
firmative vote we will carry out such man
date"
Whatever be thought Of the method pro-
posed, the end to be accomplished and the
democratic spirit in which it Is to be sought
are assuredy to be admired.
On such well-established issues as tariff re-
vision, tax reform, the rights Of labor, the
interests OF agriculture as they touch those
Of the common veal, and the conservation Of
natural resources, particularly water powers,
for the public good, the Democratic conven-
ton has spoken with vigor and plainness.
Nowhere has it spoken more plainly or more
vigorously than on that right OF the people
which of late has gone so grevously I'M
guarded their right to honest government.
The party is pledged Ito drive from public
places all who make barter of our nations
honor, of its resources or Of the administra-
ton of it's laws; to punish those guilty CT
these offenses; to put none but Ne honest in
public office to practice economy in the ex-
penditure of public money; y reverence and
respect the rights of all under the constitu-