New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-18
Tells ID. A. r. II Is Nations
Only Justification for
Use of Force.
MUST KEEP ALIVE
FOUNDERS BELIEFS
America Will Be Unworthy OF
Past, if Selfish First, Says
President.
lYrou Tbs T1buns Bureau !

Washington, April 1.-THE only ex-
cuse America can ever have for the as
sertion Of her physical force is that she
asserts it in behalf Of the interest o.
humanity" said President wilson
speaking before the Daughters OF the
American Revolution to-day
The President had been speaking OF
the purposes of the founding Of the
Republic. and had declared that present
generations must never forget the ira
ditions with which the nation has
grown up.
America will have forgotten her ira
ditions," asserted the President. when
even upon any occasion she fights
merely for herself under such circum-
stances as will show that she has Tor
gotten TO fight for all mankind.
Enthusiastic applause greeted the
Presidents words. When he was IN
troduced by Mrs. william Cumming
Story, president general of the society,"
the audience stood and cheered' ana
many Of the women waved American
flags. President Wilson said:
81 have told you upon more than
one occasion Of the sentiments when
are chiefly stirred in me by LOOKING
mon q company like this was think
ing to-day that if this organization
had been formed in the very early
years of our Republic it would have
been looked upon with good deal OF
disfavor. because you would then have
been suspected Of setting up some
sort Of aristocratic class. i wouIa
have been thought that YOU were act
ing in a spirit contrary 20 the demo-
cratic spirit professed by the FOUNDERS
of the Republic itself
"You viii remember that that s9'l
CT criticism IVES stirred by the founda-
ton OF the Society Of the cincinnati
1t was supposed that they we're setting
up an organization which, because Us
membership was handed on by primo
venture. was an organization entirety
contrarv 10 the shirt of American in
stitutions. But very interesting tnlng
"The prorortion Of those who can de-
rive their lineage from officers VINO
took part in the American Revolution
is a constantly decreasing proportion
You cannot be suspected OF trying 10
build W an organization which VIII
control the country.
Reverence for Great Traditions.
"On the contrary. the spirit in which
you have formed this organization was
from the first manifest. Il was not
spirit OF caste or Of privilege, but a
spirit of reverence for great tradi-
ton. And for ny part. / believe that
the chief service Of o great organiza-
tion like this is 20 keep a certain beau
riful sentiment warm and vital IN the
OF tho American people.
TRADITION is a handsome thing IN
az VIC live up 70 it. II we
fall away from the tradition OF the
fathers. we have dishonored them. II
we forget the tradition Of the fathers,
we have changed our character; We
have lost ar old impulse; we have be-
come unconscious OF the principles IN
which the life % the nation itself IS
rooted and grounded.
"ThGreforc. this organization under
took 20 keep those who fell under us
influence constantly reminded or the
circumstance Of tire birth of this ma
ton and Of tho significance OF the
birth Of this nation. That significance
was q very singular significance. No
other nation was ever born into the
world with the purpose Of serving the
rest Of the world just as much as II
served itself.
Unselfshness Our Title Deed.
"The purpose Of this nation was in
one sense 20 afford an asylum TO men
OF all classes and kinds who desired 70
be free and 10 take part IN the admin
istration Of a solf-governed common
wealth. II was founded in order that
men Of every sort should have proof
given that a commonwealth OF that sort
vas not only practicable, but could win
its standing o. distinction and power
among the nations OF the world.
what a splendid thing II is 70 have
SO singular a tradition tradition OF
unselfishnessl When America ceases 20
be unselfsh she viii cease TO be Amer
lea. When she forgcts the traditions
OF devotion 20 human rights IN gen
eral. which gave spirit and impulse 70
her founders. she will have lost her