New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-27
Worlds Court League APP
proves, Interpretation of
Peace Speech
WILSON'S WORDS
ARE COMMENDED
Plans Must Be Worked
Out Carefully, Organ
izatiOn Warns

President Wilson's address to the
Senate, as interpreted by Elihu Root
in his speech before the National
Security League, was approved by the
Worlds Court League yesterday in a
statement issued by Samuel T. Dutton,
general secretary.
Among the officers are Charles Fair
banks, Nicholas Murray Butler, John
Hays Hammond, Bainbridge Colby,
Oscar S. Straus, Alton B. Parker,
James Speyer, Coleman du Pont, Law
renee I. Sherman, John Wesley Hill,
Lc-y Clews, George w. kirchwey,
Albert Shaw, Isaac N. Seligman, Simeon
Il. Baldwin and Theodore Marburg.
For Adequate Preparedness
At the outset the statement implies
that the leagues approval is divided
between President Wilson's message
and Mr. Roots Interpretation. The
most positive declaration in the state
ment is a paragraph commencing the
former Senator's demand for adequate
preparedness, whether this country Is
in league of nations or out Of It.
The statement:
"The officers OF the Worlds Court
League feel that the Presidents mes
sage to the Senate, followed and in
terpreted by Senator Roots address at
Washington yesterday. tends to throw
remarkable light on the possibilities
of world reorganization after peace is
declared. The Presidents hope that
all the nations of the world may form
a concert and may unite in some plan
for maintaining peace will be approved
by all patriotic people everywhere. His
suggestion that th- power. and au,
thority or tie United States should
be added TO the authority and force
of Europe will also be approved.
Zone thing may be regarded as GER
tain, namely, the United States VIII
wish TO be independent in its action
as far as the use of its army and navy
is concerned. Mr.. Root stated this
very well in saying that liberty of
action should be left with every sig
natorv power to determine its duty
toward the maintenance OF peace.
Much Detail Lacking
"The Presidents message is general
in character, and leaves an enormous
mass of detail to be worked out, but
the object in view is of such trench
dous Importance that five years, or even
ten years. will rot seem too long il the
brains and conscience of the world can
be brought to bear upon these prob
lens. Any organization which pro-
poses a cut and dried formula for the
attainment of this object-a literal re-
organization of the world-will, o.
course. find that it has fallen short OF
grasping the tremendous significance
Of the programme.
"The United States can best exercise
the leadership it should exert as the
greatest neutral power, and one which
has made the highest record in demo
cratic government, by accepting the
suggestion contained in the Presidents
programme. and not tying itself up TO
a too detailed and definite programme.
"We are expecting that at our great
conference. 70 be held on Washington 8
BIRTHDAY at the Hotel Biltmore, much
light will be thrown upon the intima-
tions contained in the Presidents mes
sage.
eve are organizing an international
council. under the direction of Presi-
dent Butler of Columbia University
which will include men in every ma
ton, who will be invited to CO.
operate after peace is declared in
furthering the purposes of the
league" .,
President Wilson. it was said. had
refused an invitation to attend the
Washington's Birthday conference, eX-
planning that he could not leave Wash
ington during the present session Of
Congress unless it was absolutely nee
essary. Addresses probably will be
made by James Brown Scott, president
of the Neutrality Board and special adj
wiser to the State Department; Repre-
sentative James L. Slayden, of Texas;
DR.. Nicholas Murray Butler and DR.. 7.
Iyenaga, of Japan. The speaker who
will throw additional light upon Pres
ident Wilson's message was not an
nounced.