New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-21
OUR FITNESS TO MEDIATE
Will Nations We Now Call Insane" Accept
Our Patronizing Good Offices!
editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: There seems to be a growing belief
that when the warning nations Of Europe
reach the stage, as they eventually will,
where the terms Of truce and the eondi-
tons of a general peace are to be arranged
this country will have place at their eounsl
board. Is there any substantial basis t''
such belief?
For nearly two years most Of these natio,,
have made enormous sacrifices for their re.
spectiye causes; human life has been lad
down and human agony endured as never
before. while incalculable material posses.
sions have been wiped off the face Of Ii,
earth. During all that time our country
has peacefully looked on, selling It's crops
and its manufactures in enormous quantities
at very great, sometimes at exorbitsni
profit, heaping up its own possessions, until
financial editors begin TO tell US that when
the war ends we shall be the creditor nation
of the world. Out Of our war profits We
have contributed to the relief Of the sufferers
from this frightf-l conflict about fifty cents
per capita of our population-that, at less,
is the highest estimate have seen.
It would seem rather improbable that those
heat of the long day and have suffered sll
the loss will expect US to have anything to
say as to the terms and conditions under
which the combatants shall lay down Their
arms.
OF course, it is understandable that SONS
single nation, or some group, being satishea
that we would be likely to side with IL on
some of the controversies that viii arse,
would be pleased 70 see us In the COUNCIL
chamber. But surely the very same reason
would induce the others 10 object moN
strenuously TO our presence there, and WIN
out the assent of at least large majority
of them all we shall have no part IN 'h'
negotiations. o.,
The argument is advanced that we should
be their peacemaker, because as COUNTY,
we have preserved neutrality, have oeen
neither hot nor cold, and, therefore, are en-
tirely sane whereas these others have u .
said, all become insane. Will this arguneH'
have much weight? Take, for example ser
bia. Belgium and France. Certainly neI'he'
OF these three countries began TINS Wal
Their best and bravest have thrown then'
selves ungrudgingly by millions mo %.
blazing hell of battle, in a desperate eno''
to repe invasion, to preserve their h0H'-i
and firesdes, 10 protect their women
children. TO save their mother country vines
they love with passionate de'oton' ~
her they have counted no sacrifice TOO gree"
In doing so they believed, and sun O'
lieve, that they were dscharging a ssps'
duty in a righteous cause. IL makes no 'n'.
ter that some among us-eyen maJot'Y :,
us-do not share their belief; they oeiie'e
to the uttermost depth of their Souls,
without their assent we are not HAey "
have a part in the settlement when a.,
bring peace, unless they and their S''.,.
are more badly beaten than they are I"
day. Will they find the argument a pe,rss
sive one that because Of what they -,
done. because Of what they are dong ~.
they are still fiercely fighting TO eApei -.
invader from their solve have reaeHeD
conclusion they are insane? ,.,o,
Will they not rather reach the eoN'.-sl
that. il this be our summary OF the -,
matter. our appreciation OF relative ~
is not keen enough 10 make US des''a -,
counsellor? And will not the answer !" go.
argument be much the same az the n No.,
20 the angel Of the Church Of the LaOu'T o..
as recorded in the third chapter OF tns
Of Revelation? h. HENRI
New York. May 10, 1916.