Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1924-08-16
MIR. DAVIS SPEAKS PLAINLY.

, Hon. John w. Davis, Democratic
, presidential nominee delivered hi!
speech of acceptance at Clarksburg
West Virginia, Monday, August 18th
1924. 1t was an able presen
tation Of the subject and complete re
view of his views and attitude rela
tive to all important national ques
lions. He devoted some time to the task
of establishing the fact that his legal
connection with the John P. Morgan
interests had been completely severed
and that he was accordingly "foot loose
and fancy free" SO far as his previous
connections and entanglements with
big business" is concerned.
He alleges that the people have lost
confidence in the Government, but he
fails to emphasize the fact that the
lack of confidence is extended to any
Government. 1t is closely akin to the
story told Of an Irishman, who had
been in the country long enough to
cast his first vote. He was asked how
he wanted to vote, His reply was "Agin
| the Government. He had learned to
have an antipathy to the Government
of Great Britain and SO, no matter
| where he migrated, he was "agin the
Government.
The charges of corruption with ref
erence to governmental affairs was as
rife during the 'ministration of Presi
dent Woodrow Wilson as they were dur
ing the administration of President
Warren G. Harding. It is needless to
speak of President Calvin Coolidge
from the fact THAT the men and the Off
Gals who have been lambasted most
were appointees of another administra.
tion. 1t is also a fact that the plan now
is to adjudge men guilty first and to
try and convict them afterwards
This is repugnant to free institutions
but when political campaigns are in
the offing conditions are reversed and
fundamental principles either ignored
or forgotten. Mr.. Davis says:
No matter how lofty the ideals or
how pure the purpose of any party,
the country is not served unless it pos
sesses both the will and the power to
carry those ideals and purposes into ef--
feet. When it becomes leaderiess and
incoherent mob it must give way to
some rival better fitted for the task oil
government.
Need I dwell on the picture that ths
last twelve months present! On one
side the Executive, on the other the
members Of his party in both houses of
Congress, seeking different aims; en-
tertaining different views; advocating
different measures.
WHAT else could Mr.. Davis and the
people of the United States expect,
when the leader of the Republican
Party was stricken down by the hand
of death and substitute elevated ta
his position and that substitute las not
as yet had the opportunity to launch
an administration in his own right and
to surround himself with corp Of
officers of his own selection
Certainly the ordinary rules of fair
play would call for the according TO
him of an opportunity to show just
what he. can do and this will come only
with his election next November to the
position, which he now occupies. MI.
Davis overlooks the fact that the Dem
ocratic Party has not given the people
of this country the idea that it possess
es, the cohesiveness and the unity OF
purpose. which he eulogizes.
Visions of the scenes in the Demo
cratic nominating convention held re-
Gently in New York City dissipates and
eliminates the idea that the Democratic
administration, which he hopes will
succeed the Coolidge management OF
affairs will do even as well as the one,
which he criticises. 1t is admitted that
the nomination came from leaderless
mob. 1t was only by the retirement OF
many of the original delegates, wAo
came to attend that body that firm
foundation was secured and one Of the
most brilliant Democrats in the country
was finally selected to head the ticket.
Mr.. Davis boldly announces that he
is in favor of the League of Nations. In
this statement alone, he will find many
of the leading members of his Party In
strict disagreement with him. Preri'
dent Calvin Coolidge is openly opposed
to this same foreign organization Hon.
John W, Davis promises, though to
obey the mandates of the people in this
respect and President Coolidge agrees
to do the same thing.
In his discussion Of racial and relig-
ious intolerance, tlre nominee is
especially strong. The essence of it all
is summed UP in these words: