New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-02
OUR LEADERS AT FAULT
American Opinion on War Is Negative and
May Awaken to Aid Allies
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

Sir: As a constant reader OF your edi-
torials and a hearty admiror Of their fine
and courageous advocacy OF the cause OF
justice and humanity in our foreign policy
venture 10 protest against the view eS-
pressed in the Christmas Day issue entitled
what Must Be Understood"
After the Presidents astounding asser-
tons in his latest note that he does not
know the objects for which the war is being
fought and that all OF the belligerents appear
20 have the same ends in view, your warn
ing" seem. 10 be adding insult to injury
Some one has suggested that the Presidents
words arc like salt in an open wound to the
Allies and really cannot see what purpose
can be served by rubbing it in still further
with the statement that the American people
are not friendly to the Allied cause and
never will be
n this is true Of great part Of the Ameri-
can people ! am loath to concede so
much still the statement cannot be made
without qualification. Surprising the Presl-
dent does represent the view OF the majority
OF Americans in his very crude utterances'
what does IL prove but that the average
American is uniformed on large world is
sues and Indifferent 70 moral questions which
do not seem TO affect his little existence?
But it is possible that the rank and hle'
even Of the warning peoples. might have
failed to understand the Importance OF the
principles involved in the war il they had
had no leadership but instead had been stu
pehed by the reteration Of high sounding,
empty phrases VOL calculated to stihe con
scientious doubts and generous impulses and
to encourage the natural selfshness and men
tai Incidence of the ordinary man.
II seems to me misleading TO say that this
is a permanent expression OF American opin-
ion. for IL is negative and not positive
attitude. and no one can say that some event
may not occur 20 awaken the soul and con-
science OF the nation in spite Of the Presi-
dent For the facts remain true upon which
France and Britain based their expectation Of
our understanding and sympathy similar
Interpretation Of the rights and duties OF ma
tions and % ideals Of conduct and govern
ment The principles OF the democratic ma
tons are bound TO be alike, and they are all
almost equally interested in securing a more
Just and stable international relation. This
identity Of fundamental principles constitutes
q bond which is stronger than appears on the
surface. and II our people are slow 10 per
coive the future Importance for them Of for
eign friendships IL would seem unnecessary
TO prejudice our foreign friends against Va
az a time when forces are at work which tend
TO draw certain nations together and sepa-
rate others Of opposite ambitions and ideals.
The time might come when we should be
glad 20 accept the friendship Of the Allied
powers II II we're not withheld from US by
mistrust And would IL not he better for all
to work for truer understanding Of the
great issues involved in this struggle, even
II IL seems a long road TO travel rather than
represent US 20 the world as hopelessly self
ish and obtuse?
On the other hand. ! can see no benefit
FOR the Allies IN being brought 10 regard US
as enemies, for, enemies or not, It is not 20
their interest 10 quarrel with us; nor ia IL
worth their while 10 spend their energies on
striving 10 gain our sympathy. They as
suued that The plain justice Of their cause
would appeal n us, and il IL has not done 50
u is not their business to open our eyes.
~ they cannot hope for our moral support
neither have they anything to fear from this
nation so long as II is welded TO peace at
any price and is lacking In any collective
purpose or collective conscience.
G. P. MASON.
Boston, Mass, Dec. %. 1916