The Monte Vista journal., 1917-05-19

loi
been the underlying cause of nine
tenths of the wars of the world. The
far-reaching effect of the universal
recognition of this principle can
hardly be estimated. Our benefit
and the worlds benefit can not be
measured in dollars and cents.
III. Decentralization of Nations
Mr.. President, there is third and
still greater principle that, in my
judgment, ultimately will be estab-
lished by our entrance into this war,
and that is the democratization of
nations.
When Thomas Jefferson wrote the
words in the Declaration of Inde-
pendence that "the just powers of
government are derived from the
consent of the governed" I doubt If
even he fully realized the Importance
of that doctrine to the people of
ther countries. That principle al
ready has eXerted an influence upon
the government of every nation on
the face of the globe. Every abso-
Lutte, monarchy has yielded some form
of Legislative tribunal in obedience to
that elementary doctrine. We OBJ
serve it steadily marching for ward
setting up republics not alone in the
Western Hemisphere, but in all parts
of the earth.
In this war there are arrayed upon
one side the peoples who are trying
to establish this doctrine in all the
governments of the world. If we are
victorious, if we are to have voice
in the peace settlement and in the
4reaties thereafter to be made, our
participation will advance that prin-
ciple still further to the forefront
and will ultimately establish it uni
versally as the right and heritage of
man.
In the acceptance of that principle
of government there is developed a
most beneficial effect upon the indi-
vidual The idea that men should be
governed without their consent was
universally enforced not many years
ago, but with the growth of the
principle which our Declaration of
Independence put forth and which is
now acknowledged all over the world
as coming and a growing principle,
we shall witness when the war Is
over, with deep and abiding satisfac-
ton, that not Only the governments
but each individual in all the nations
of the earth will have that right and
the enjoyment of liberty, which is so
dear to the American heart, and
which 1t seems to me will become
equally dear to the citizens of every
other country.
Therefore. although this war is 60
ing to be costly and may be long,
nevertheless, there are blessings that
are likely to come out of it that will
fully compensate us They are the
establishment of the principles OF
first, the freedom of the seas; sec
ond, the territorial integrity of ma
tions, with the resulting condemna-
tion of wars of conquest; and third,
the democratization of nations, with
their recognition of human rights.
With those ends in view it seems
to me we can we'll afford to vote for
this bill, believing that it is the big
movement toward these great re-
forms.
Mr.. President, this Is the first time
in the history of the world that a ma
ton has entered great conflict will
ing to spill its blood and spend its
treasure without hope of reward or
fear of punishment, but solely for the
establishment and recognition OF
those rights of nations and of man
kind which will tend toward produc-
ing universal peace. When these
principles have been recognized the
incentive for war will have been
taken away, and great movement
will follow for the establishment of
a worlds court for the determination
OF international disputes, with DOW
er to enforce its DEGREES. Let US
welcome the day when there will ex-
ist Peace on earth, good will to
men,"