The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-01-08
COMMENT ON
TODAY'S SPEECH
congressman Approve Message and
Some Think Il VIII Bring
Peace closer Than
Before.

United Press Leased Wire Servicel
WASHINGTON, Jan. S.-Beliefs
that the presidents message will form
the real basis of the peace that will
end the last war for human liberty"
as 1t was termed by Wilson today,
were heard on all sides in congress
this afternoon. The frankness, def
niteness and utter simplicity OF the
terms brought approval from both
democrats and republicans.
Republican. leaders approved the
message In general, but attacked the
section providing free trade after
the war, insisting that American in
dustries must still be protected.
Majority Leader K1tchin and Chair
man Flood of the foreign relations
committee, both expressed the opin-
ion the terms would be the founda-
ton for peace.
ut is my belief and hope that it
paves the way to peace" said kttch1n.
1T was truly remarkable address"
"The address was very fine and
very timely" Flood said, because 1t
stated very clearly and specifically
the aims Of the allies. The position
will be approved by the people OF the
country and it will greatly hearten the
dIliSS, pdA llCuldlAy NuSSlh, WAiNh 10
wrestling with German intrigue"
Senator Hardwick, of Georgia said
he believed the presidents message
may lead =. once to the opening of
peace negotiations.
IF Germany does not plan world
conquests, then it ought to be pos
stble to agree on the terms that will
save both the civilization and the
christianity Of the world" said Sena-
tor Hardwick.
Senator Chamberlain: 1T states in
the concrete all we are lighting for
and states It SO clearly that he who
runs may read. 1t is the greatest OF
the presidents state speeches"
Senator Martin: 1T is one Of the
ablest speeches the president ever
made and it met every point in the
situation"
Senator Overman: 1T is worry
valuable message in that it follows
the message of Lloyd-George. Russia
and the whole world now knows
where we stand. No man can fail to
understand It,"
Senator Smoot: II heartily agree
with the president in most of his pro-
gram. but I can't agree to free trad
ing with the. world"
Senator Ashurst: ut Is timely, IL
luminous, specific and clear. There
is now no further trouble in under
standing Americas war aims"
Represe ntative Moore, Pennsyl
vania, insisted the president did
mean free trade ''by the removal of
economic barriers" adm said he could
not approve that section. II am sure
we must protect our American indus
| kvl1 y, a. -
them by forcing competition with 9th
er countries that have a decided ad-
vantage because Of cheap labor"
Uncle Joe" Cannon approved the
message, but said he didn't think 1t
brought peace any nearer. 1--WE must
fight our way out Of this war, still
believe" he said.
| The president required about twen-
ity-five minutes to deliver the address
AS he concluded each statement of
Ia war aim, there was loud applause,
the greatest coming when he de-
manded righting the wrong done
France in 1871.
| Colonel e. M. House, the presidents
friend and adviser, sat with Mrs. VIII
son and other members of the execu-
tive family in the gallery.
| The suddenness of the presidents
decision to speak today resulted in
some members Of the cabinet being
absent.
The president smiled slightly when
he was greeted upon entering the
house chamber, but thereafter his
face was serious as he read the mes
sage.
Immediately after the president
concluded, DR.. Vesnitch, chairman of
the Serbian commission, addressed the
house, endorsing the presidents
words and bringing the members to
their feet when he declared there can
be mo made-in- Germany peace