New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-23

a part of the basis upon which the
United States could go into a league
to enforce peace.
"But 7 think that President Wilson
has made certain very serious mistakes
in the way he has approached this sub
ject and in his present thought about
it. | think he has made a bad mistake
in mixing up the question of the terms
upon which we might. after this war
is over, 90 into league to enforce
reace with the question of the basis
Of peace now to be contemplated as
between the belligerents.
"He should have kept strictly to the
ground on what terms this nation can
90 into a league TO enforce peace when
that question is taken up, after the
world is again at peace and ready 70
discuss the prevention of war thence
forth. You cannot have retroactive
legislation. When Mr.. Wilson under
takes to say that the terms upon which
this present war is ended will deter
mine our attitude toward league to
be created hereafter he is doing some
thing that is bound to get him and his
project into trouble.
"Now. as to Mr. Wilson's first propo-
sition. OF course, ! am one of those
that strenuously object TO 1t. | think
that the chances will be very much bet
ter for lasting peace If there is q
determination of this war. | don't
think that draw will be a good basis
upon which to rest the future security
of the world. That is my own attitude
toward it,"
Holt Upholds President
president Wilson's action is one of
the greatest things ever done by an
American president" said Hamilton
Holt. editor of "Thc Independent"
vice president of the League to En-
force Peace. ale has determined to
see through to the end the questions
his speech raises. To DO so he must
overcome an enormous amount of in
ertia on the part of the American peo-
pie. whose support he must have, but
thev should be made to realize that It
is necessary for them to join peace
league Of nations.
Extreme militarists and extreme
pacifists will oppose a league to en-
force peace, but the only alternative is
arming on a more competitive basis
than the world has ever seem Into
this competition the United States
would be drawn.
while no one can tell what will re-
suit from the speech, its principles are
sound. 1t was a shrewd move 10 make
Europe understand what we are for
and on what conditions we will enter a
league. 10 was real craftsmanship, and
President Wilson has shown himself to
be a real leader"
81 am greatly astonished at the
T1kn Dato
Clark. of Columbia. a member of the
executive committee of the League to
Enforce Peace. 81 had been looking for
such a proposal to evolve out of vic
torious war. not an inconclusive one
and hoping that league of nations 10
enforce peace would be formed by the
Entente. Germany being excluded from
any arbitration arrangement. Germany
need not be crushed, but she should be
isolated from her present allies and the
balkan States.
president Wilson has made a bold
grasp at what seems to be the best
thing that could happen. The question
now will be whether such ends as he
proposes can be brought about"
Bishop Greers View
Bishop David II. Greer said, pres
ident Wilson's speech was splendid
and an admirable and true definition
of Americanism. He spoke for all in
international relations that we in this
country stand for. lie has taken very
high grounds. My hope is that it will
lead to a conference with just settle
ment of the issues raised by the war;"
Oscar S. Straus said that he re-
garded President Wilson's message as
90 ba
the highest value.
81 think it will do great good in edu-
eating our country to the necessity and
wisdom Of America taking her part in
the reconstruction of the world. Sec
ondly. it may aid the warning nations
in concluding an earlier peace than
otherwise; for if they can once agree
as they are substantially agreed by
the statements of their chancelleries-
upon some form of a league with the
sanction of power behind it TO secure
the peace of the future, it cannot help
but bring nearer TO an end the present
war"
George W. Perkins characterized the
message as impertnent and unwar-
ranted. In the light of his past record,
Mr.. Perkins declared, Mr.. Wilson's ap-
pearance in the role of the great con-
structive leader would be ft material
for a comic opera if IL were not so
humiiating to every patriotic Ameri-
can.
81 think il is a great piece of inn
pertinence," said Mr.. Perkins, ain view
Of his record in the past"
"You mean that his attitude in the
past doesn't entitle him TO speak now
or any time?" he was asked.
81 won't say that he said, "but |
do believe that his interference at This
particular time, in the light of his
failure to show courage or firmness
in the past, is unwarrantable. and will
be resented on the other side
81 am afraid the course Of events
will not be greatly changed by this
speech" said Frank A. Fanderlip, presi-
dent of the National City Bank.
jeremiah A. OLeary, on behalf Of
the American Truth Society, of which
he is president, gave out a copy OF a
telegram he sent to President Wilson.
It read:
"Our country is to be congratulated
upon your true presentation of Ameri-
canism. Every American devoted to
the Declaration Of Independence must
regard your message to the Senate with
pride and approval The document is
the greatest American paper since
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
II, is my earnest wish, and | know the
wish of every member Of our society,
that il may reestablsh truth and JUS
tice in the world. For such a world is
a world of peace"
VIII SONS pI AN