New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-12
Rights of Civilization
Menaced, Balfour Says

Mr.. Balfour, with his smile holding
something more than Is typical Of Brit
ISL reserve. succeeded Mr.. Choste. lie
predicted. likewise, eventual victory
for the Allies, and insisted that liberty
could not be crushed. lie was cheered
long and loud. the entire audience rIS-
ing and waving napkins and pro-
grammes.
Mr.. Balfour, modestly declining to
advise or seek TO sway the people OF
the United States, analyzed the enthu-
siasm which the visit OF the commits
sion had brought TO a head in New
York II was an evidence OF a deep
seated conviction. he believed, that the
United States was at last in the field
to defend civilization at a moment
when "civilization is trembling in the
balance"
what is it that we are afraid Of:
he demanded. 81 won't say afraid
what is it we feel that We have got tC
stop? will tell you my view of it. 1t
is the calculated and remorseless use
of every civilized weapon to carry out
the ends of pure barbarian"
His speech follows:
"The two inspiring speeches which
wo have listened to this evening were
addressed by the speakers in the main
TO their own countrymen. They ap-
realed to all the patriotic feelings and
all the manhood Of America to Join in
the great cause in which the Allies are
engaged.
Certainly it was the right Of these
gentlemen 10 make that appeal II ls
not nv right. | have not come here
as my old and true friend, Mr.. Choate,
seems to suppose have not come
here authorized by my government to
set myself UP or TO set my friends up
as instructors Of the great American
people. They know and you know how
to manage your affairs, and do not re
ouire us TO teach you. 1t may bet
probably is a fact-that q study OF the
purpose, a very minute study OF the
history Of this war, will show those
who run and desire 10 read that there
are certain mistakes which n great
democracy imperfectly prepared Tor
war may easily make. We snail be
happy to describe those mistakes TO
YOU il happily it will be your desire
10 learn the lesson from them. But
do not propose either now or at any
other occasion to Sc: myself up as an
adviser or monitor on these greas
themes.
1t is enough that | proclaim my un-
alterable conviction that we nave
reached a moment in the worlds ms
/ tory on which the future, not OF TINS
/ country but of every country, not OF
/ - interests but Of every interest
I that the very heart Of civilization Is
I trembling In the balance. AT that
| critical moment II is my bOunden
( duty, TO whatever nation or people, TO
/ raise up my voice and to appeal TO ali
who will listen TO me to-day IN the
great task which We have been bearing
/ for two and a half years, and which
YOU have cheerfully and generously de
termined 70 take the weight OF upon
your own shoulders.
Feel Vital Issue"
The Mayor Of New York told US IN
mis- speech that since the Civil war
no such date has occurred in New
York. no such occasion has been seen
in New York as yesterday and to-day.
( What is that? Why it is that the peo-
! ple Of this great city have come forth
/ instinctively--l was going to say by
/ thousands: ] feel inclined to say by
millions to snow their enthusiasm for
the cause you have taken up! u is
because they instinctively feel what rs
he vital issue at stake, because they
( instinctively feel thst.it is neither de
sirable, nor, were il desirable, possible,
I for this great republic to hold itself
/ sloof from world in suffering and
not 10 do It's part 20 redeem mankind.
Surely it is significant fact that
here we are. the representatives OF
! three great -demoeracies. my friends. NJ
! Vivian and Marshal Joffre, meet with US
who come from Great Britain, and, in
the very centre and heart OF New York
plead common cause. What has
| brought US all together? What is the
merning OF this unique gathering
What is the meaning OF the multitude
crowding your streets to-day and yes
| terdsy? II IL shallow view 20 sup
| rnse that each OF those great nations