Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-12-07
A WOrld-Stirrtag Message.


gress which in effect is a message to all the world
are two vital thoughts. First. and foremost. the
war must be won for democracy and civilization;
that monstrously evil thing called Prussianism
must be crushed: and to this end. Americas every
resource must be unsparingly devoted Second
having performed this heroic task and thereby
made possible righteous peace, we must see to 1t
that justice is done all nations and all interests
involved in the headed, human
hearted justice from which no revengeful future
wars will spring but in which the ideals of man
kinds essential brotherhood may grow up and bear
its benefcent fruitage.
Each of these thoughts gathers strength and
significance from the fact that it is linked to
the other We are not fighting merely to win but
10 establish a permanent state OF world affairs In
which our country, its principles and its tiresdes
together with the lands of freemen everywhere
NAV be secure And that is all seek; we have
no wish TO poison victory with indebtedness
Nevertheless we must be victorious before we can
be inst; we must overthrow the ruthless tyranny
that now blackens and barbarizes Germany before
We shall have even an opportunity to deal fairly
with the German people. We must save America and
help to save civilization from the immediate and
hideous peril of PrUssiansm before we shall be IN
ositiou 10 discuss save in an indefinite fashion the
new international order which liberals everywhere
so ardentIy desire. Because it is fighting message
vigorously and intensely So the Presidents address
is all the more potent plea for those principles
on which .peace at last shall be established.
Declaring at the outset that 'our object is, of
course to win tho war and that I'VE shall not
sIacken or suffer ourselves to be diverted until it
is won" he makes it plain that we shall consider
the war won "only when the German people say to
MS through properly accredited representatives
that they ready to agree to settlement based
upon justice and reparation of the wrongs their
fuIers have done" Stressing this point still fur
Their. he says:
Let it be said again that autocracy must
first be shown the utter futility of its claims
to power or leadership in the modern world.
It is impossible to apply any standard of justice
so long as such forces are unchecked and I'M
defeated as the present masters of Germany
command. Not until that has been done can
right be set up as arbiter and peacemaker
among the nations. But when that has been
done-as. God willing. it assuredly will be
we shall at last be free to do an unprecedented
thing and this is the time TO avow our pur-
pose to do it. We shall be free to base peace
on generosity and justice to the exclusion of
all selfish claims TO advantage even on the
part of the victors''
Eventually this sentiment will win its way with
such forces OF liberalism now latent in Ger
many and some day disllusioned people will I'M
derstand that their real enemies were not America
or England or France any of the Allies but their
own constituencies rulers. However blind and deaf
10 the truth they now, il is nevertheless the
part of wisdom = declare the truth emphatically,
as President Wilson has done; for while we now
must trust chiefly the sword it is important that
no weapon of diplomacy which be turned
against Kaiserism be left unemployed. 1t is also
important that liberal opinion in Russia-though.-
fully liberal opinion distinguished from the
deIerium of the Bolshevih-be kept in sympa-
thetic understanding OF American and Allied aims.
To all truly democratic as opposed to anarchistic
thought in Russia, the tone of President Wilson's
message can hardly fail to carry reinsurance and
inspiration.
The crest of the Presidents address in his rec
ommendation tina. Congress Immediately declare
the United States in a state of war with Austria
Hungary He recommends this step essential
10 our efficient prosecution OF the and not
withstanding his sincere avowal. just moment
before of Americas hearty recognition of Austria
Hungarys rightfuI interests.
Does Il seem strange TO you" he asks
that this should be the conclusion OF the
Cument have just addressed to you? II Is
not II is i'm fact the inevita BILE logic Of what
have said. Austria Hungary is for the time
being not her own mistress hut simply the
vassaI OF the German government We must
face the facts as they are and act upon them
without sentiment in this stern business.'The
government of Austria Hungary Is tacting
-Ipon its initiative in response to the
wishes aud feelings Of fits own people. but
the instrument of another nation. We must
meet its force with own and regard the
central powers as hut one. The war can he
successfully conducted in other way"
The President does not ask now for a declaration
or war against Bulgaria and Turkey also. but he
realizes that the logic Of the points in that
direction and adds that eve shall go wherever the
necessities Of this carry us"
We take it for granted that the declaration of
hostilities against Austria viii he promptly forth
coming from Congress-. will also every measure
renuisits prosecuting the with utmost vigor