Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-04-21
Be AMERICAN FIRST,
PRESIDENT URGES
Mr.. Wilson at Associated
Press Luncheon Defines
True Neutrality.
WORLD CLIMAX is NEAR,
HE TELLS NEWSPAPER MEN
Hopes United States Will Be Able to
Help All Nations When
Peace Comes.

Peace Comes.
NEW YORK, April 21.-Fresident
Wilson has given to the world def
mite and clear statement Of the neu-
trality which is guiding his admins
tration during the war in Europe. He
chose the occasion OF the annual lunch
con of the Associated Press yesterday
afternoon for what he said he regarded
as statement of gravest importance
to the American people.
The influence Of the newspaper in
molding public opinion, Mr.. Wilson
said. prompted him to make clear his
ideas of true neutrality. and in doing
SO to impress upon his hearers the i'm
portance Of adhering strictly to truth
fu1ness and honesty In the dissemina-
ton Of the news.
Mr.. Wilson seemed to weigh zach
word he uttered. The importance he at
tached to his statement was reflected
in a request that no attempt be made
to paraphrase his speech or to give 1t
publicity until the official White House
Past Difficult, Future More So.
AS tho only great nation not engaged
In the war. or suffering under the i'm
mediate influence of the war zone. Mr..
Wilson declared that great distinc-
ton awaited the United States when
tho hour Of readJustment should come,
provided this nation should prove to
the world it's self control and self
mastery. The past had been difficult, he
pointed out, but the future would be
more difficult,
America, the President said, never
would attempt to sit in judgment upon
another nation. No nation was fit to do
that, he added. But America. free from
hampering ambitions as a world power,
free OF a lust for territory, calm, cool
and without self interest. must be ap-
pealed to to assist in the reconstruct
ing processes of peace.
The neutrality of the United States
Mr.. Wilson said had a higher basis
than petty desire to keep out of trou-
BILE.
to do than fight" he said. Let us
think of America before we think of
Europe, in order that America may be
ft to be Europe's friend when the day
of friendship is not sympathy with one
side or the other. but getting ready to
over"
when he appeared at the luncheon. con-
stantly was Interrupted by applause
and expressions of approval.
Mr.. Noyes Introduces President.
Mr.. Wilson was introduced by Presi-
dent Frank B. Noyes of the Associated
Press and was the only speaker at the
luncheon
we are gathered here today" said
Mr.. Noyes, 'the membership of what
is. / believe. in scope and importance
OF activities the greatest cooperative,
non.proft making organization in the
world.
THE function of the Associated Press
Is to furnish It's members q service OF
world news that shall be untainted and
without bias of any sort
10 insure this VIC have formed all
organization that is owned and con-
trolled by it's members and by them
cur master
50 We are here today democrats
ana republicans, Protestants. Catholics
and Jews: conservatives and radicals.
vets and Overwhelming on every sub
Iect on which men differ, but all at one
IN dems ndtng that, so far as is hu-
manly possible, no trace of partisan
ship and no hint of propaganda shall
be found III our news report
FURNISHED with the news. We are
quite able and more than willing indi-
vidually to supply the necessary views
Neutrality of Associated Press.
Thus by easy steps I have come to
the TACT that because of its traditions
and its code. and perhaps also because
OF the never-ceasing watchfulness OF
3oo members. it has come to pass that
lie" people on earth are capable Of CIV
ing the management OF the Associated
I'ress any points on maintaining a
strict, though benevolent. neutrality on
all Questions on which We can be neu-
tral and still be what we are-loyal
Americans
We point with pride to the years
ana the occasions through which We
nave balanced on every discoverable
fence.
we know. too--none better-that
the genuine neutral. the honest neu-
trail. is always the target of every par
tlsan, and we find some solace that this
TACT Is now being demonstrated to the
world at large
Today, however, We willingly lower
our crest to one who has demonstrated
in these agonizing times his MASTER
snip OF the principles of true neutral
ity' and VINO, 1ully realizing the dread
full consequences of any departure from
these principles. has nobly borne his
terrible burden of responsibility in
guarding the peace. the welfare and
Tie diS MY Ol our common country.
Pledges President Support.
"Our distinguished guest. who so hon
ors us today. may surely know that in
the perplexities and trials of these
days, so black for humanity he has our
thorough, loyal and affectionate sup
port
God grant him continuing success in
his high aims for the peaceful prog
ress of the people of the United States
AT these annual gatherings it is our
custom to offer but one toast
Il ask you to drink to the health of
Woodrow Wilson, the President of the
United States"
The toast was drunk standing.
The Presidents Address,
Il am deeply gratif1ed by the gener-
Gus reception you have accorded me.
1t makes me look back with a touch Of
n former sinps t,l,o T