New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05

Ormer diplomats, PUBIC oHClhlS'
labor representatives. international law
experts. editors, authors, clergymen,
business men and others agreed yes
terday that President Wilson's message
clarified the war situation and that he
had voiced the thought OF the nation.
Here are some Of the views expressed
to The Tribune about the message:
Felt War With Austria Had to Come
James W. Gerard. former Ambassa-
dor to Germany:
81 have felt that war with Austria
had to come, that il was inevitable.
In handling the enemy alien situation
the people OF this country must bear
in mind that the Hurgarians here nave
been very loyal. There has not been
a suggestion OF the presence OF spies
or propagandists among them. Re
member, too. no matter what may come
up later, that there is the greatest
admiration for America and President
Wilson in Hungary
Henry Morgenthau, former Ambassa-
dor to Turkey:
"The President has spoken and has
expressed in unmistakable and con-
vincing terms the genuine sentiment
and determination Of the American
people. We intend to help our allies
to a positive and conclusive victory,
and nothing less will satisfy US.
Right and justice must triumph over
might and deceit Our people must pre-
pare themselves for great sacrifice and
a test of endurance. The present gen
Grafton must recognize its trusteeship
of democracy and liberty, and so con-
duct itself that we can render salts
factory account of our stewardship 10
ourselves and future generations.
Oscar S. Straus:
"The Presidents leadership has oeen
so wise and inspiring that | am sure
the country is behind him IN the rec
concentration he has made for war with
Austria, which he doubtless has found
necessary in order TO adequately pro-
tect our interests
DR.. Nicholas Murray Butler, presi-
dent Of Columbia University:
"Now with the status of our relations
with Austria clearly defined, we must
give immediate and thorough atten-
ton TO the Austrian enemy alien STU
alton here. To my mind We face
more serious problem in regard to the
handling of Austrians than we do with
the Germans. Most of the Austrian
subjects here do not speak English
and are largely under the influence OF
foreign-language papers, which, though
they may not be seditious, give their
minds an un-American twist
DR.. Ellery C.. Stowell, of Columbia:
"Our peace with Austria has been
only a technical one. In a life and
death struggle such as the one we are
now engaged in, we are practically at
war with any power which allies itself
with our enemies. / am glad the Pres
ident has taken action. We want the
issue TO be clean cut. We have 1t so
now"
Hamilton Holt. editor of "The indie
pendent:
"Our President mas again delivered
an epochal state paper. He has given
a definition of our war aims that can
be emblazoned on our banners for all
the world TO read, and which will as
suredly do more TO rally our allies and
to strike dread in the hearts OF the
German autocracy than a dozen yicto-
ries in Flanders
Grateful 20 the President
DR.. Newell Dwight Hills:
"For three years Germany and Aus
tria have hunted IN pair, as do all
thieves and murderers, for mutual aid
and encouragement. We must all be
grateful to the President for a mes
sage which states with unr:valled clar-
ity what we are fighting for and shows
the world what nations are our friends,
and that Austria is our enemy. When
the individual and the nation know
exactly what they must do and pre-
cisely how to do it the victory is half
Won"
Major George Haven Putnam, presi-
dent of the American Rights League:
at was incongruous for US to seek
20 make war against one pirate nation
and leave its partner in crime unmo-
Tested. At last our position is consist
ent and we have shown the world eX
actly where we stand. | think it alb