Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-01-27
Most State Executives
Keep Hands Off" Regarding
Presidents Peace Policy

New York, Jan. 25.- Governors
throughout the country are keeping
hands off" insofar as the president Is
peace efforts are concerned, or have
apparently reached no conclusion as to
the proposition of this government en-
tering a league.
Of twenty from whom statements
were sought today, only seven would
comment in any way. These follow:
James NJ. Cox, Ohio President
Wilson s message marks a distinct
epoch in civilization 1t is far seeing
and statesmanlike and not in conflict
with Washington S idea of entangling
alliances, for the reason that condi-
tions are changed"
Governor e L. Philip, republican,
Wisconsin-"For the purpose of renew
ing the discussion of peace terms in
Europe and again opening the doors
for negotiations between belligerent
nations, President Wilson S address is
both timely and we'll worded. AS a
plan for the future his suggestions are
impossible. AS long as men are selfish
governments will be selfish also, and
so long as selfishness influences the
course of nations, war will be unavoid'
able, particularly upon the European
continent. Our own country will do
better to avoid any responsibility for
European entanglements. We can be
aribtrators and make our influence
felt without entering into a compact
with the countries of Europe to crush
any nation that may wish to engage
in war with any other.'
Governor Capper, Kansas, republican.
-"I endorse the presidents effort for
world peace. If his unheralded speech
to the senate created a powerful i'm
preston upon that body of statesmen
the impression it will make upon the
world will be more powerful. The ad-
dress of the president would not
amount to very much If all that
could be said of it is that it speaks for
the United States. What must inn
press the rulers of the world in this
speech is that in it the worlds demo-
cracy and not the United States alone
finds spokesman. English and
French Russian and German hearts
will respond to the democratic note
sounded from beginning to end of this
sensational address in the senate
chamber. He is speaking for the demo
cracy of the world The world S demo
cracy will respond. =
Governor Albert f. Sleeper, Mich
Iioan.-''If the earnest efforts of Pres
ident Wilson can help to restore peace
to warning world, God speed him in
his endeayor. But it seems to me that
entangling European alliances would
mean danger for this nation
Governor James E. Ferguson, Tex
as. democrat.-'I do not think this
government should enter into any
league to enforce peace. 1t would be
great mistake. We have kept out OF
the war so far and we should keep out
of ANYTHING that might force war up
on us. l am unalterably opposed to
! tbe idea of joining in peace move.
ment such as the president proposes.
! Governor Brumbaugh, Pennsylvania.
republican.-"T There should be no dif,
ference of opinion on international
problems. We should all stand by the
government.
Governor Gardner, Missouri, demo,
crat.-"I favor any safe, concerted
plan on the part of the nations OF the
world to inaugurate a lasting peace
and to bring TO an end the slaughter
of the present generation. We cannot
hone to accomplish such an end with
out concerted action on the part OF a
sufficient number of powerful nations
70 insure a lasting peace