Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1917-04-27
BALF0UR AND PARTY
SAFE IN AMERICA
BRITISH COMMISSIONERS TO WAR
COUNCIL RECEIVED WITH
HIGHEST HONORS.
Dean Of English Statesmen Defines
War Issues and Expresses Apprecia-
ton for Work Americans Have
Done In interests Of Neutrals.

Washlngton.-For Minister Bal
four and the other members of the
commission sent to America by the
government of Great Britain, arrived
In Washington on Sunday.
While unable to grant an extended
Interview before presenting himself to
President Wilson. Mr.. Balfour will
lngly consented to say d few words
as TO his general hopes for the confer
ence and the fundamental purposes be-
hind It. A verbatim copy follows:
All Will ngree that my first duty as
head of a diplomatic mission is to pay
my respects TO the head of the state to
which I have been sent; and no public
expression of opinion on points of pol
icy would, | think, be useful or even
tOlerable until have had the honor of
comforting with your president and
learning his Views. / have not come
here 10 make speeches or indulge in
Interviews, but to do what l can to
make cooperation easy and effective
between those who are striving with
nll their power TO bring about last
ing peace by the only means that can
secure IL, namely, successful war.
without, however, violating the rule
| have Just laid down, there are two
things which l may permit myself to
say One, on my own behalf, the
other on behalf of my countrymen in
general
On my own behalf, let me express
the deep qualification l feel at being
connected in any capacity whatever
with events which associate our coun-
tries in common effort for II great
ideal.
On behalf of my countrymen, let me
express our gratitude for all that the
citizens of the United States of Amer
lea have done to mitigate the lot of
those who, In the allied countries, have
suffered from the cruelties of the most
cruel of all wars. To
name no others, the efforts of Mr.. Ger |
ard TO alleviate the condition of Brit |
ish and other prisoners of war in Ger
many and the administrative genius
which Mr.. Hoover has ungrudgingly /
devoted to the relief of the unhappy |
Belgians and French In the territories
shll In enemy occupation, viii never
be forgotten; while an inexhaustible
stream of charitable effort has sup
piled medical and nursing skill to the
service OF the wounded and the sick.
These are the memorable doings of
a benefcent neutrality. But the days
of neutrality are, | rejoice 10 think. ut
m emil; and the first page is being
turned IN q new chapter "a the history I
Df mankind. Your president, In n most
apt and vivid phrase, has proclaimed
hat the world must be made safe for
democracy. Democracies whenever
hey are found. and not least the de-
uocracies OF The British empire, will
hail the announcement as happy
lugury. That elf-governing commu-
lities are not TO be treated rs negllg-
bile simply because they are small
hat the ruthless domination of one
power imperils the fu-
ure OF civilization and the liberties
II mankind, are truths of political eth
cs which the bitter experience of war
: burning into the souls OF all free
iom-loving peoples. That this great
,eople should have thrown themselves
into this mighty
struggle. prepared for all the efforts
iad sacrifices that may be required to
vim success for this most righteous
.ause. Is an event at once so happy
nd 50 momentous that only the his
orian OF the future will be able. as
believe H. to measure It's true pro
portions.