Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-03-15
MONTPELIER HEARS
EX.PRES|OENT TAFT
Speech Opens Membership Cam
paign for League of Peace
in Vermont.

Montpelier. March S.-Two thousand
people greeted former President Will
liam Howard Taft when he spoke to-
night at the city hall. in the opening
meeting Of the membership campaign
of the Vermont Branch of the League
to Enforce Peace. Governor Horace r.
Graham introduced Mr.. Taft. Twenty
five or thirty prominent citizens from
different parts Of the State were seated
on the speakers platform including
Lieut.. Gov Hulburd, Speaker Wilson,
President Benton, Colonel Reeves. ex-
Mayor ]. Estee Of Montpelier.
President Taft outlined the purpose
Of the league in his opening remarks
as follows:
This is an assembly Of those who
direct the forming Of character Of the
youth of the country, and who. because
Of their intelligence and attention to
the issues Of the day and their standing
III the community. exercise a substan-
tial influence in framing and making
effective the popular will. This Con-
gress, therefore, gives an exceptional
opportunity to spread to the four cor
ners of the United States the consider
alton Of constructive plan for ma
tional and human bctterment.
I seize this chance to bring before
you the program of an association al
ready organized and active to promote
a league to enforce world peace
Our program is limited to the estab-
lishment of such a. league after the
present world war shall close. We are
deeply interested in bringing this war
to a close, and we would rejoice much
in successful mediation; but our plan.
in order. to be useful, we limit to the
steps 10 be taken when peace comes
and to an international arrangement
between the powers after war ceases.
The League was organized on Bunker
Hill day. a year ago, in independence
Hall, at Philadelphia. It's program
contemplates a treaty among the great
powers Of the world by which the sig
natories agree to be bound to four OBJ
legations:
The first il that al questions arising
between the members Of the league shall
be submitted to a judicial tribunal Tor
hearing and judgment
Second. that all questions which can
not be settled on principles Of law anc
equity sail be submitted to n council OF
Cancellation for hearing and n recon-
,nendatioa Of compromise.
Third, that n any member CO the league
commits acts OF hostility asains. ahother
member before the question between them
shall be submitted as provided in the
first two articles. the remainder Of the
mcubers Of the league shall Jointly use
forthwith their economic and mNitAry
forces against the member prcmaturely
Yesorting to war and in favor Of the
member prematurely attacked.
Fourth. that congresses between the
members Of the league shall be held from
90 - nd <s<s<%tfyy loa
Of international law to govern the rela-
tions between the members Of the league.
unIesv ausne members OF the league shall
signify Ms dissent within q stated period.
In conclusion Mr.. TAFT said:
we are the richest nation In the world,
and In the sense Of what we could do
were we to make reasonable preparation
we are the most powerful nation In the
world. We have been showered with good
fortune. Our people have enjoyed hap
piness known to no other people. Does
not this impose upon US sacred duty TO
Join the other nations OF the world In a
fraternal spirit and with willingness to
make sacrifice IL we can promote the gen.
eYal welfare of mon?
At the close of this war the govern
ments and the people OF tho heiligerent
countries, under the enormous burdens
ana suffering from inc great ioSSeS u Ine
war. will be in a condition OF mind to ac-
cept and promote. such a plan for the en-
forcement OF future peace. President
Wilson. at the head of this administration
and the initiator of our foreign policies
under the Constitution; Senator Lodge
the senior republican member of the
committee on foreign relations. and there
fore the leader of the opposition on such
an issue. have both approved of the prin-
ciples of the League to Enforce Peace. Sir
Edward Grey and Lord Bryce have indi-
Gated their sympathy and support OF the
same principles. and we understand that
q. BRAND Of France has similar views.
We have found the greatest encourage
mont in our project OH every hand among
the people. We have raised large fund
to spread our propaganda ask your sym
pathy and support.