The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-03-10
AMERICA SHOULD HAVE PART
In World Peace Movement, Said Prof.
Bonney of Middlebury.


discussion of peace possibilities afte
the war by Professor Luther |. Bonne,
of Middlebury college before the mem
bers of the Vincitia club and their guest
last evening. The smoker was one of /
series of entertainments planned by th'
club and was well attended. Professor
Bonney was introduced by N. j. Rob
erts, chairman of the entertainment
committee, and throughout the course o.
his remarks the audience listened mosi
attentively. The speaker said in part:
"Since the war for independence
America may be said to have arrived al
the cross roads on two occasions. The
first time nation of loosely knit states
Immediately after their defensive war
were in danger of losing all that they
had attained through petty jealousies
and sectional strife. Great leaders OF
the revolution, however, turned bravely
TO the task Of establishing an interrela-
tion OF parts and interdependence gave
way to independence and the l3 parts
were subordinated TO the whole. A crisis
was thereby ayerted. Again, through the
medium of civil war, the nation reaf
firmed its belief in the principles OF the
revolution and added thereto the prinei-
pie that the majority should maintain
the union even though recourse to arms
be had
America is once more at the cross
roads Of great decision. There arc
chaotic conditions in the world and We
are in the midst of a struggle that
dwarfs every struggle in history. Men
who represent all OF the warning nations.
nevertheless, are searching for some
means to do away with armed strife.
Here in America we have organized the
League to Enforce Peace. 1t is more
than probable that after the war at
tention will be turned toward the organ
ization of league TO embrace all ma
tions. Toward that league what atti-
tude shall the United States take? Shall
it be that of individualism, cooperation,
nationalism or international
latter The parts should be subordinated
TO the whole, and the issue is the most
important of modern times. Obviously
we shall know best how to prepare
when we learn beyond doubt Just
what the preparation is for. Here we
may rightly ask what effect would
arge military organization have on the
nation. In Germany its effect has been
very unsatisfactory. On the other hand,
he Grand Army of the Republic was
me of the greatest exponents of Amer
can democracy.
"The United States should take part
n the league. Questions could be logi-
ally analysed and the details could be |
ettled in conference. This far diplo |
macy, alliances and Hague tribunals have |
allied and it may be said in truth that !
yhen nations demonstrate that they can |
Iot live continuously at peace with each |
ther it is the duty of civilization to de-
ise some method that will succeed. Who
to blame for war? Civilization, be-
ause it has never tried TO do anything. 7
he responsibility is on the citizenship /
( the world. The machine gun does
ot deal out Justice. War does not set
lie international questions. Reason only
rings justice.
"A world league with strong central
uthority is the only means of assuring
eace. IL is in line with political eyoiu-
ion. The analogy between the possible.
les of world peace and the development
/ the human race, from kindred families
, clans, from clans to tribes and then TO
ations is clear. The group tendency to
entralize political power makes for
eace and il is an axiom that disputes
re best settled by the appeal TO reason.
or reason does not depend upon custom,
Ianners or nationality. There is every
,asonable basis for thinking that such
league would attain the desired end.
america should be ready to do her
,rt in furthering the interests of con-
Iteration OF nations that is strong
rough TO maintain peace and secure JUS
ce. The league should not be adyocat-
for purposes of aggression or TO check
,gression, but its purpose should be
ear, from the outset. America, the
ost powerful of nations, except IN a
ilitary sense, America with double the q
ealth of the British empire and re-
urces equal to the combined resources
the allies, should contribute power
llv to the success of a world league. T
geographically she is well located and
ON the nature of her eonglomerate I
pulation her participation would not
attended by racial feeling or preJu- II
,e. Moreover, the balance Of power Y
ould be on the side of democracy and \
neriea, as the greatest democracy OF o
e world, should cast her influence on G
q right side. In the near future Amer g
will be called upon to make de-
ion in the momentous matter and as @
: close of the present war will be the L
,st favorable time for the leagues Z
'eption, sentiment among Americans IL
,uld be aligned at once in favor OF II
rid peace" Je