New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-07
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir, Now that Mr. Wilson's masterful abil-
ity 10 Judge correctly the wishes OF the ma
jority Of tho people has resulted In placing
him at the helm Of the ship Of state for four
years more, It might be we'll for those who
have criticised and denounced him for what
they have been pleased to call his too proud
to fight and spineless policies to place them
selves in his position and contemplate the
situation from the standpoint Of tho President
Of a nation the majority Of whose citizens
have preferred the paths Of commercialism,
selfshness, individualism and peace at any
price, rather than pursue tho course Of our
forebears, who gave their treasure and their
lives that this nation. founded on tho princi-
pies of liberty, self-sacrifce, patriotism and
duty, might survive and become a model and
an inspiration TO the down-trodden and OPP
pressed who sought to gain their indepen-
denco with honor and self-respect
But thanks TO the result Of November z
the situation has changed and the Wilson Of
yesterday will not be the Wilson OF the fut-
ure; then he was hampered-t day he Is
free-free from Bryans pack Of molly-cod-
dies who threatened him with political disas-
ter did he take firm stand against their
craven policies Of scuttle and surrender. Let
US picture for moment the position he
occupies and the splendid opportunity
that des tiny perhaps has placed in his path,
such as has come to few rulers in history,
and at the right time We will hear him say
to Congress and the country something to
this effect:
"The past two years and half have brought
about conditions and changes in the world
and in international relations which the
ablest among us could not have foreseen and
for which history furnished no precedent.
Realizing as | have that small majority Of
our people have desired TO continue to pur-
sue the paths Of peace and maintain their
ease and liberty, while avoiding those sacri-
fees which other nations have borne and
which alone can produce patriotism and ma
tional unity and maintain a nations indie
pendence, ] have therefore endeavored by
every means of diplomacy and patience to
show 10 those nations who have insulted our
flag, drowned our innocent women and chill
dren and invaded our soil. the error Of their
ways and the injustice Of their acts toward
a friendly nation, whose sole desire was TO
sid humanity and at the same time continue
the lmassing Of wealth and the pursuit of
happiness.
"But this method has failed, and with It's
failure we have lost not only the respect Of
the belligerents, but that Of the neutrals as
we'll, who looked to US to become their leader
and to take firm stand for the maintenance
Of international law
81 also realized, after thorough invectiga-
ton, that our army and navy were made
quate for the needs of defence and have
therefore approved the appropriations for
enlargement and maintenance Of both; but
the federalizing Of the militia has proved
hopeless failure, and perhaps may be bless
ing in disguise, as the experience We have
gained by sending 1t TO the border has
proven only too we'll the impossibility Of c!ti-
zens TO be business men and soldiers at the
same time. But the Hay bill was stepping
stone In the right direction, even though 1t
has proven inadequate and unsatisfactory.
"As the European war progresses the future
problems and dangers for this country null
tiply and become more apparent. The tragedy
of Belgium and the deportation OF large
numbers Of her population; the over-running
Of Serbia and the trampling upon Greece
show only too well that while ethically