Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 September 1919 — THE PEOPLE WANT TO UNDERSTAND [ARTICLE]

THE PEOPLE WANT TO UNDERSTAND

The peoiple’s wish to understand the reasons which impel the United

States to ratify the treaty as a means of terminating the war with Germany, and to enter the league of nations as a guarantee against further International conflicts, is the most conspicuous feature of the president’s tour. The Senatorial opponents of the league and the treaty have continued their obstruction not because they have failed to understand, but because they refuse to subordinate personal and political bias In the interest of thfe country. In all great issues in the history of the United States, the people have shown a willingness to make their decisions upon the facts and according to their conscientious judgment. In the last there Is little partisanship among the masses. They may at times be moved by sentiment In their choice of candidates —for personality imay attract or repel them—but in svery matter of policy they have uniformly judged and acteu solely upon what they considered Its merits. The question of ratifying the treaty and of approving the covenant of the league is not in any sense partisan. The president is makipg that abundantly clear. No Republican need desert his party to favor the league. He may act as an American in this crisis without ceasing to be a Republican. When that truth Is Impressed on his hearers and readers by the president, the opponent# of the league will appeal in vain to the partisanship of their fellow Republicans among the people. And It is evident from their desire to understand- —to learn the facts —that the people will accept the president’s view and give him their support.