The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-01-26

In personal address to the United
States Senate Monday President Will
son laid down the question of whether
the United States shall depart from
its traditional policy of isolation and
no entangling alliances, and take part
in the world league to preserve peace
after the war. In appearing before
the senate the president shattered a
precedent of more than a century. In
addressing the Senate, the president
said:
"Gentlemen of the Senate:-On the
eighteenth of December last address
an identic note to the governments
of the nations at war requesting them
to state more definitely than had yet
been stated by either group of bellig-
erents, the terms upon which they
would deem it possible to make peace,
and of the rights of all neutral nations
like our own, many Of whose most vi
tai interests the war puts in constant
jeopardy. The central powers united
in reply which stated merely that
they were ready to meet their antago-
nists in conference and discuss terms
of peace.
"The entente powers have replied
much more definitely and have stated,
in general terms, indeed, but with suffi-
cient defniteness to imply details, the
arrangements, guarantees and acts of
reparation which they deem to be the
indispensable conditions of satisfac-
tory settlement We are that much
nearer a definite discussion Of peace
which shall end the present war. We
are that much nearer the discussion of
the international concert which must
thereafter hold the world at peace.
"In every discussion of the peace
that must end this war it is taken for
granted that that peace must be fol-
lowed by some definite concert of pow
ers which will make it virtually i'm
possible that any such catastrophe
should ever overwhelm us again. Every
lover of mankind, every sane and
thoughtful man must take that for
granted.
81 have sought this opportunity to
address you because | thought that
owed it to you, ,as the council associat-
ed with me in the final determination
of our international obligation to dis.
close to you without reserve the
thought and purpose that have been
taking form in my mind in regard to
the duty of our government in these
days to come when it will be necessa-
ry to lay afresh, and upon a new plar
the foundations of peace among the
nations.
ut is inconceivable that the people
of the United States should play nc
part in that great enterprise. To take
part in such service will be the op.
portunity for which they have sought
to prepare themselves by the very
principles and purposes of their poll
cy and the approved practices of theil
government ever since the days wher
they set new nation in the high anC
honorable hope that it might in al
that it was and did, show mankind tn,
way to liberty. They cannot in honol
withhold the service to which they ar,
now about to be challenged. They dc
not wish to withhold it. But they ow,
it to themselves and to the other ma
tions of the world, to state condition.
under which they feel free to render it
That service is nothing less thar
this: To add their authority and theil
power to the authority and force O.
other nations to guarantee peace ant
justice throughout the world Sucl
settlement cannot now be long post
poned. 1t is right that, before i
comes, this government should frank
ly formulate the conditions upon whicl
it would feel justified in asking ou
people to approve its formal and sol
emn adherence to a league for peace
| am here to attempt to state thes,
conditions.
"The present war must first be ende'
but we owe it to candor and to a jus
regard for the opinion of mankind t,
say that so far as our participation il
guarantees Of future peace is concern
ed, it makes a great deal of differenc
in what way and upon what terms j
is ended. The treaties and agreement
which bring it to an end must embod,
terms which will create peace tina
is worth guaranteeing and preserving
peace that will win the approval o
mankind, not merely peace that vii
serve the several interests and imme