Reply to Paine's Defence of Wilson.

(We invite all men in the University to submit communications on subjects of timely interest, but assume no responsibility for sentiments expressed under this head.)

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

It does not seem proper to leave unchallenged the persuasive defence of Mr. Wilson published by Mr. A. G. Paine in the CRIMSON of October 27, especially since its effectiveness depends largely on overlooking well-known phases of those topics which it touches. Mr. Paine begins by clearing the field of improper issues. First he says: "Americanism and Preparedness can no longer be called issues, for they have been definitely and rightly settled." Mr. Paine says that Mr. Wilson has definitely repudiated the hyphenates--but, of course, he has not heard of the appeals made by the President's representatives at a Third avenue beer-garden. Secondly he cites as points in Mr. Wilson's favor the Army Bill, which disappointed and disgusted Secretary Garrison, and the Naval Bill "which," he says, "has done more for the navy than decades of previous Republican legislation." Increase of the navy, by the way, is something that no Republican (or Democratic) administration would have considered right in times of general peace, but--and here is the difference--in critical times of war, no Republican administration would have dreamed of delaying it and decrying it for two years, at the cost of self-respect and the nation's respect. While, therefore, there exists a danger of retaining in power a party with this record of error and liable to this kind of error, the Preparedness issue can hardly be called definitely settled.