Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-05-29
THE PRESIDENTS PEACE
SPEECH.

President Wilson's peace speech IN
Washington Saturday night, on which
occasion he was introduced by for
mer President Taft, has struck SYM
pathetic note not only in this country,
but throughout the world. Among the
warning nations it already has had
the effect OF striking a responsive
chord, and that is the most hopeful
sign Of all.
Consistent with the neutral attitude
he has pursued since the dreadful con-
fict began, and likewise with the big
principles of international law for
which he has steadfastly contended,
emphasizing with characteristic logic
! the teachings of government upon
which this nation was founded, the
president laid emphasis on the fact
/ that his object was not to offer pro-
gram, but to proclaim a creed. tie
made it plain that he is ready to eXer-
else the powers and opportunities and
the privileges Of his office as the head
of a great people to bring to an end
the bloody strife, the moment it is de-
sired that he shall do so.
Il am sure" the president said
that the people of the United States
wish their government to move along
these lines:
First, such a settlement with re-
gard to their own immediate interests
as the belligerents may agree upon
We have nothing material OF any kind
TO ask for ourselves and are quite
aware that We are in no sense or de-
gree parties to the present quarrel
Our interest is only in peace and It's
future guarantees.
Second, that universal association
Of the nations to maintain the inviO-
late security Of the highway of the
seas for the common and unhindered
use of all the nations of the world
and to prevent any war begun either
contrary to treaty covenants or with
out warning and full submission OF
the causes to the opinion Of the world
"a virtual guarantee of territorial in
tegrity and political independence"
These fundamentals Of lasting
peace President Wilson said he be-
lieVed we're correct:
First, that every people has q
right to choose the sovereignty under
which they shall live. Like other
nations, we have ourselves no doubt
once and again offended against that
principle, when, for little while con-
trolled by selfish passion, as oul
franker historians have been honor
able enough TO admit, but it has be.
come more and more our rule of life
and action.
Second, that the small states o.
the world have a right TO enjoy The
same respect for their sovereign!
and for their territorial integrity tha
great and powerful nations expect anC
insist upon.
And third, that the world has {
right TO be free from every disturb
ance of its peace that has its Origin
in aggression and disregard of tht
rights of people and nations"
The outstanding lesson of the worlt
war, the president said, has been tina
the peace of the world must hence
forth depend upon a new and more
wholesome diplomacy"
The president said he had not come
to discuss a program but only Il
aVow a creed and give expression Il
the confidence that the world was ap
preaching a day when some common
force would be created for the ser
vice of a common order, common
justice and a common peace"
The presidents position is so broal
and fair and just that it is believed i
has opened the way for negotiations
which the belligerent powers ma.
seize as opening a way to lay dow
their arms and settle their difficulties
with honor.