Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 79, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 December 1919 — THEY FEAR THE CONSEQUENCES [ARTICLE]

THEY FEAR THE CONSEQUENCES

Republican Senators who participated in the killing of the treaty of peace wibh Germany are not comfortable in their minds- Most of them are obviously uneasy, not to say fearful. Their speech and bearing are not those of men who have lately performed a patriotic duty such as they pictured their

defeat of the pact to be a few weeks ago. Rather is their demeanor that of those who, charged with an offense against the public welfare, far from glorying in their act, resort to the tactics of defense. Senator Knox denounced the treaty as “harsh and cruel’’ to the German people. Yet Mr. Knox now proposes that it be ratified in every provision—and in haste. Senator Lodge contends that the treaty is dead, but he shows signs that either its ghost haunts himi or that he fears its revivification at any moment. Senator Lenroot protests—too much —that it was a bad treaty, a conspiracy against American independence, but is careful to claim no credit for destroying the monstrous evil he describes to his countrymen. On the contrary, he seeks to locate the blame for its death upon Democratic Senators. If this treaty was “harsh and cruel”; if it was dangerous to America; if it is deservingly dead, why do Republican Senators mouth excuses and defenses for having salved their country from the menace? Why not take pride in their deeds? Why not ask, as of right, the approbation of the people?

Truman H. Newberry, who stands Charged with having resorted to “fraud, conspiracy and corruption” in compassing his election as United States from Michigan, appears daily in the Senate to take part in its deliberations. He occupies the seat which must ic-

mind him of the griVe accusations lodged against him in a federal court- He knows _tbat vsitcrs in the galleries are pointing him out as a member whose right to be a Senator is to be tested by a criminal prosecution. Yet he continues there, in the face of all past practice and present reasons for remaining away. Truman H. Newberry must feel that Michigan needs him more than it needs observance of propriety. Some one has estimated that the Republican Congress uttered a total of 14,000,000 words in the course of the special session. About twice that many will be required to explain why nothing was accomplished in seven months’ time. The supreme court has decided that only the President can declare the war is ended. Some Republican Senators who thought Congress had that authority are as deficient as lawyers as Senator Moses is as a doctor. Republican organs are promising that the regular session of the G. O- P. Congress will be an improve ment on the special session. The regular session may be only half as long ts the sttcial session.