The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-12-21

Ne TWO
he objects which the statesmen of begerents both
have in mind this virtually the same as stated
Ia general terms their people and to the world Each
desires make the rights and privileges OF weak peoples
and small States against aggression denial in the
future the rights and privileges of the great and powerful
States at Each wishes itself to be made the
future along with all other nations and peoples against the
like this and against aggression of selfish
interference of kind Each would be jealous OF the
Or any leagues preserve uncertain balance OF
power amidst multiplying suspicions but each IS ready TO
consider the formation of league of nations to insure peace
justice throughout the world Before that final step can De
taken however necessary first to settle the issues
Of the upon which will certainly safeguard
the independence the territorial integrity and the potca
and commercial freedom of the nations involved
America vitality Involved.
n the measures to be taken the future peace of
the world the people and OF the United States are
vitality and directly interested the now at
Their interest moreover in the to be adopted to
relieve smaller and weaker peoples of the world of the
peril of and violence quick and ardent that OF
other people government They stand ready ana even
eager operate in the accomplishment Of these ends when
the war influence and at their
mand But the first be concluded The terms upon
which If to be concluded are not at present his duty sug
gest but President does feel that is his right and his
duty point their intimate interest at its conclusion lest
should presently accomplish the greater things which lie
beyond its conclusion lest the situation of neutral nations
exceedingly hard endure be rendered altogether
and lest than ALL injury be done civilization itself
which never be atoned for or repaired.
Suggests Immediate Conference
THE President therefore feels altogether justified in sug
costing immediate opportunity for comparison of views
to the terms precede these ultimate arrangements
for the world which all desire and which the
neutral nations well those at ready to play their
full responsible part If the contest must continue to proceed
towards underlined ends by slow attrton until the
of begernts the other is exhausted If million after million
of human lives continue to be offered until the
side the other there to offer II resentments must
kndled cool and despas engendered from
which there be recovery hopes of and Of the
willing of free peoples will be rendered and idle
''The life of the entire world has been profoundly affected
Every the great family Of mankind has felt the burden
and the of this unprecedented contest Of
AL Are Disturbed
"No nation in the civilized world be said in truth
outside its influence be safe against its disturbing
effects the concrete object for which 1t being
waged have never been definitely stated
e leaders of the several begerents have has been
said stated those objects in general terms But stated in
eral terms they the Edes Never yet have
the authoritative spokesman of either side avowed the precise
objects which would if attained satisfy them and their people
that the had been fought out The world has been left
conjecture what dentive results what actual exchange Of
guarantees what political territorial changes readiust
ments what stage mary would bring the
to n end
at be that peace is than know that the
which the begerents the side and the other
would necessary insist upon rreconcabe
the least for conference and make the
cord of the nations hope of the immediate {uure concert
of nations Immediately practicable.
"The President is not proposing peace He is not
offering mediation He is merely proposing that soundngs
taken order that learn, the neutral nations with the
begeren how the haven of be for which
mankind longs with intense and increasing longing.
He believes that the spirit in which he speaks the
objects which he seeks will be understood by all
he confidently hopes for response which will bring new
light into the affairs Of the world,
(signed) LANSING"