Fergus County argus., 1905-09-05
IEWlSTOWN, MONT, Sept. 5. 1905.
THE PRESIDENT AND PEACE.

THE PRESIDENT AND PEACE.
During the past week President
Roosevelt has been the recipient of
many kilograms of congratulation for
his successful efforts in bringing about
peace between Russia and Japan
Kings ,emperors, and the potentates
OF earth have sent messages to Oys-
Ter Bay. But it is not the rulers of
nations who are most concerned and
chlef1y grateful to President Roose-
welt for the restoration of peace.
Their kilograms, in some instances,
may have been merely perfunctory
proceeding, an observance of inter-
national courtesy.
1t is the common people the world
over, those who fight the battles of
their country, those who must suffer
and offer up their lives in battle, who
should have the greatest reason for
gratitude that a bloody and needless
war has come to a close. Such may
not send messages of congratulation
or gratitude. 1t is not necessary.
Throughout all nations there can be
but one sentiment for the noble part
President Roosevelt has taken in be-
half of humanity
In doing what he did he ignored
precedent, he invited criticism but
ne did not finch. With that resol l.
ton, independence and forcefulness
which has characterized most of his
performances in public life, he went
straight at the object to be gained.
He was determined, if possible, to
end bloody war, the like of which
I was no sudden lnspirat,cn, lne
quick suggestion of his impetuous ma
ture. Soon after the battle of the
sea of Japan he took the initiative
and has never wavered in his efforts
to bring the belligerents together, al
though there seemed to be little chance
of success. After conferences with
representatives of both governments
and some diplomatic maneuvering the
following telegram was sent to Japan
and Russia:
THE president feels that the time
has come when in the interest of all
mankind he must endeavor to see If
it is not possible to bring to an end
the terrible and lamentable conflict
now being waged. With both Rus
sia and Japan the United States has
inherited ties of friendship and good
will. Il hopes for The prosperity and
welfare of each, and it feels that the
progress of the world is set back by
the war between these TWO great ma
tions. The president accordingly
urges the Russian and Japanese gov
ernments, not only for their own
sakes but in the interest of the whole
civilized world, TO open direct nego
tiarions OF peace with one another.
From the day the above message
was sent TO the powers at war the
president did no, relax his efforts noI
lose hope, although at times the pros
pec,s for peace looked dark. The at
titude Of this country in its relations
with both Japan and Russia made il
possible Tor President Roosevelt tC
inrercede. 40 European nation or rul
CT was in position TO take the I'M
tiative. France was an ally Of Rus
sia and England OF Japan, while Ger
many was distrusted by both OF rh'
belliserent powers. Il was left TO
America and the finest type OF he
citizenship at the head of the goyelL
ment, 10 take the step that would en
the carnage OF blood in the orient.
The world will not look upon Pre-:
ident Roosevelt's act as one of ''inte
ference The warning TO avoid "el
tangling alliances" had no force {
application. The very fact that Anne
ica was free from them was the cois
of advantage to President Rooseve
in his high resolve TO bring aboI
peace.
necessary TO the life and well beil
of every nation, that Japan has gai
ed an advanced position as the !
suit of this war. and that Russia h
been taught a lesson that will me;
wider liberty for her subjects. tn
may be true, but the appalling slaue
Tor of human being had startled t
Christian world and the time had cor
TO call off the dogs of war. 1t
a great honor for America and Pre-
ident Roosevelt that this was the
lynation and he the only representa-
of a great power that could have be
instrumental in bringing about pea
at this time.