Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 220, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1916 — Southern Newspapers Criticise Wilson [ARTICLE]

Southern Newspapers Criticise Wilson

jr The press of the south is almost uniformly democratic, but leading papers there are very outspoken in condemnation of President Wilson’s course in "the lailroad strike affair, some of them being- even more severe in their strictures than his political opponents have been. They recognize the fact that the questions presented are above and beyond partiscinism and affect the foundation principles of our government; that far more than a mere abor dispute is involved. The Augusta, Ga., Chronicle says: “Nothing more revolutionary has been done in any civilized country, with the possible exception of Mexico, since the French' revolution itself” and that “it is'the most shameful surrender of principles, that has ever yet stained our country’s integrity.” The Richmond, Va., Journal calls it “the most inexcusable breach of trust the country has witnessed for several generations.” “A most dangerous precedent has been established,” declares the Greenville (S. C.) News, and concludes its article with the ' significant remark: “The American people have yet to render thtfir verdict.” The Charlotte (N. C.) News says: “The trainmen are not on trial in this controversy. Neither are the railroads of the United States. Democracy is the defendant at the court house.” We are told, says the Newport News (Va.) Pr.ss, that congress has acted in the interest ■of peace. “But,” it asks, “is peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of liberty?” “Before surrendering to the#'single-bore opportunists whop are managing his campaign,” says the Gieensboro (N. C.) News, “Mr. Wilson should rather have pronounced this invocation: *God help the Republic.’ ”. The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser, the Memphis Commercial Appeal* the Roanoke (Va.) Times and other southern papers express similar sentiments. These papers, like Mr. Wilson’s northern critics, are not opposed to an eight-hour day or to higher wages for trainmen of to any interests of laSor, nor are they advocating the cause of the railroads. They are simply appalled at the feeble and cowardly surrender of constitutional authority with its far-reaching results. For, as all can see, the end is not yet.