Gilpin observer., 1918-01-10
WILSON STATES \
US. PEACE TERMS
DEMANDS LEAGUE OF NATIONS
TO eANlsH WAR AND GUARD ;
H. WEAK WITH STRONG.
WORLD JUSTICE: ASKED !
Ase=RTs MORAL CLIMAX, At
HAND AND PEOPLE OF. NATION
LOYAL IN VITAL TEST.
Western Newspaper Union News servic.::


Western Newspaper Union News Service.
Washington, Jan. 9.-In terms spe-
cific and unquestionable, President
Wilson yesterday stipulated before a
joint session of Congress the aims for
which America is now fighting. This
country, he said, will continue the
struggle until these are achieved.
1t was the compelling voice of the
Russian people," asking definition OF
Americas principles and purposes"
that prompted the President to speak.
And it was largely to Russia that his
speech was directed.
He struck out at the sinister activi-
ties of the German rulers, demanded
the light on all future negotiations
and treaties and held resolute' to his
stand for territorial adjustments that
will insure peace.
To realize this embodiment of "jus-
tice to all peoples and nationalities,"
that they may live on equal terms of
liberty and safety with one another
whether they be strong or weak" the
President said the American people
will devote their lives and honor"
The President presented the follow
ing as necessary elements of world
peace:
1. Open covenants of peace without
private international understandings.
2. Absolute freedom of the seas in
peace or war except as they may be
closed by international action.
g. Removal of all economic barriers
and establishment of equality of trade
to peace and associating themselves
for its maintenance.
Armament Reduction Called For.
4. Guarantees for the reduction of
national armaments to the lowest
point consistent with domestic safety.
8. Impartial adjustment of all colo
nial claims based upon the principle
that the peoples concerned have equal
weight with the interest of the gov
ernment
tory and opportunity for Russia's po-
litical development.
z. Evacuation of Belgium without
R ). Ali French territory to be freed
and restored and reparation for the
taking of Alsace-Lorraine.
9. Reimbursement of Italy's frontiers
along clearly recognizable lines of ma
tionality.
10. Freest opportunity for autono-
II. Evacuation of Rumania, Serbia
and Montenegro, with access to the sea
tees of economic and political inde-
pendence and territorial integrity of
the Balkan states.
Demands Dardanelles Thrown Open.
12. Secure sovereignty for Turkeys
portion of the Ottoman empire. but
with other nationalities under Turkish
rule assured security of life and op-
portunity for autonomous development
opened open to ali nations. permanently
IS. Establishment of an independent
Polish state. including territories in
lions with free access to the sea pd and
and territorial integrity guaranteed BY
IA. General association of nations
under specific covenants for mutual
guarantees of political independence
small states alike.
Desire Just and Stable Peace.
enants." said the President in conclu-
sion, 1--WE are willing to fight and con-
tinue to fight until they are achieved; /;
but only because we wish the right
to prevail and desire just and stable
peace"
Such program, he said, removed
the chief provocations for war;"
"The moral climax Of this, the cul.
minating and final war for human lib
erty, has come" said the President in
ending his address, "and they (the
people of the United States) are ready
to put their own strength, their own
highest purpose, their own integrity
and devotion to the test"
The practical agreement of funda-
mentals in. the Presidents program
with those expressed by the British
premier made an immediate and pro-
found impression upon all who heard
him.
Coming at a moment when Germany
faces the demands of her Socialists
for abandonment Of any program of
annexations and indemnities and also
faces the failure of the peace negotia-
tions at Brest-Litovsk, the Presidents q
pronouncement developed It's tremen.
dous Importance as he spoke It word
by word to a crowded chamber OF
legislators. diplomats and officials
who gave him the closest attention.