Distrust has always barred his way, distrust of a mind and
character to which problems appear as exercises in ingenuity rather
than questions of right and justice. His greatest opportunity for
constructive statesmanship was offered in the making of the New
York State constitution. But when it became known that Mr. Root had
dominated the Constitutional Convention, that the proposed
constitution was Mr. Root's constitution, that was enough; the
voters rejected it in the referendum.
Distrust spoiled the mission to Russia during the war. The Russians
distrusted him while he was with them. President Wilson distrusted
his report when he returned. And Mr. Wilson's successor equally
distrusted him when he chose a man to finish the work which Mr.
Wilson had badly done or to correct the work that Mr. Wilson had
left undone at Paris.
Light on President Harding's attitude toward Mr. Root is thrown by
an incident at Marion during the campaign. The Republican candidate
had made his speech of August 28th in which he indicated his views
upon the League of Nations. Two days later a newspaper arrived in
Marion containing a dispatch from abroad where Mr. Root then was,
at work upon the international court.
The correspondent represented Mr. Root as "amazed" at the position
Mr. Harding had taken.
The candidate came to the headquarters early that morning.
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