New-York tribune., 1917-07-29
THE earlier pacific attitude Of Presi-
1 dent Wilson examined in the light

TIME earlier pacific attitude Of Presi-
dent Wilson examined in the light
- of his present militancy supplies a
shock TO the Investigator only when the
evolutionary processes that took place in
he crowded interval are ignored.
When the whole record Of the Presi-
sents speeches, acts, messages and notes
is set out on the table in front Of one
hero Is then seen TO be growth, sudden
at some dramatic points, gradual at
others.
EAs background for his mental plexus
there was the evolving posture Of public
opinion. which in turn took its color from
the making of events. American psy-
GEOLOGICAL reaction to the war underwent
a visible change as it became evident that
the war was to be long one, that Amerl-
can interests we're to be imperilled, and
finals. that the safety of world democracy
was threatened.
This chart of the growth of the Presi-
dents twill to war; is at the same time q
chart of the growth of the American peo-
ple's "will TO war" The indicator moves
how I'D, now down, but in surer lines ups
ward to the climax. At the outset, PresiS
dent and people alike are seen to scorn
rreparedness and patiently to bear crltl'
cism. Smarting under fresh war wrong'
Mr.. Wilson develops desire for pre-
paredness." Presently he becomes strong
champion of armament. He is still the ex-
ponent of prepared neutrality" Fresh
wrongs move him TO EARNED neutrality
Finally. in a never-to-be-forgotten declar-
alton of war TO make democracy safe for
the world" he puts on the whole armor.
But all the while he clings to his ideal
of peace, even while he wars. There is a
certain consistency to be perceived here,
and each occasion found the President at
least able to give a reason for the faith
that was in him. However, let these
excerpts from his public utterances, as
sembled here without prejudice, speak for
him through these three long years.
At First the Presidents Attitude
n Was Considered Academic
In the early hours of the European war
the President was quoted indirectly as re-
ferring to preparedness as merely
academic discussion" Even as late as
October 20, 1914, he is credited with hav-
ing regarded such debates as mental
exercise" A few days after war broke
he announced a neutral attitude, "an his
toric American attitude" toward the bel
ligerents, the dispatches from Washing
ton speaking authoritatively for him thus:
Washington, Aug l, l9l4-From an
authoritative source it was learned late TO-
night that President Wilson, in line with the
traditional policy Of the United States, would
pursue a course Of absolute non-interterence.
So unscrupulously neutral was the Ad-
ministration that in October, 1915, it pre-
vented the making of loans to the Allies.
AS the friend of all the belligerents he
issued this notice to the world, making no
distinction in behalf of Belgium or against
Germany:
Washington, Aug. IS, 1914.-Presdent Will
son in a proclamation issued to-day said;
Every man who really loves America will
act and speak in the true spirit OF heuIrai-
ity, which is the spirit of impartiality and
FAIRNESS and friendliness TO all concerned
We must be impartial in thought as well as
action, must put curb upon our sentiments
as we'll as upon every transaction that might
be construed as a preference of one party Il
the struggle before another.
A settlement at The Hague of Belgium'
wrongs, after the war is over, sufhced th'
President, as indicated by his reply ol
September 16, 1914:
presently, pray God very soon, this wa
will be over. The day Of accounting will theI
come, when take it for granted the nations
of Europe will assemble to determine set
Element Where wrongs have been committee
M their consequences and the relative responsi
~ bility involved will be assessed. The ma
tionD Of the world have fortunately, by agree
ment, made plan for such reckoning anc
settlement"
TOPPING the War Will Be Ended
j By the Light of Truth
Replying to his critics and stressing tht
value Of the new Bryan treaties for arbi
tYatinp international differences in an ad