Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 August 1919 — LODGE AND SHANTUNG [ARTICLE]

LODGE AND SHANTUNG

Republican “strong men” in the uenate, and particularly Senator Lodge, long noted for his familiarity with and interest in foreign affairs, are moved to tears over the “crime of Shantung.” Because of Japan’s acquisition of the territory that Germany grabbed from China, Senator Lodge and others •would reject the peace and Xhrow the league of nations covenant into the boneyard. It is more than passing strange that Senator Lodge should suddenly develop so deep an interest in China’s territorial integrity after the lapse of 21 years during which

he was ailent and stone cold on that subject. It was In 1897-98 that the international robbery was committed and Shantung passed out the possession of Germany. Senator Lodge was then in the senate, President McKinley was in the White House, the Republicans were in control everywhere. Senator Teller and some leaders of the opposition party denounced the disembenment of China and declared it to be America’s duty to "join with Great Britain in a notice to Russia and Germany that dismemberment will not be permitted.” Did Senator Lodge define a similar attitude for himself? Not until 1 the lapse of 21 years, then to suddenly burst into tears, to be moved to intense indignation by the transfer of a bit of territory from one international robber to another str.ong-arm nation whose title is at least no worse than was that of the imperialistic country Senator Lodge saw commit the original robbery without so much as lifting his voice in protest. Verily, the years have softened the senator’s heart, but have failed to make consistency his jewel.