Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-11-22

announced purpose TO attend the peace
conference in Europe has caused
measure of regret and misgiving. The mere
ubreakiug of a precedent in this matter is of
Itself no serious ground for objection. In
fact. it is not unprecedented for the nations
Chief Magistrate to leave its territorial do
main: Mr.. Harrison. Mr.. Roosevelt and Mr..
Taft all went beyond the United States bor-
ders in the course of their Presidencies, the
!. hrst going to Canada, the second to Panama,
and the third to both those countries. Never
before, however. has it been even dimly con-
reived that President would go three thou
sand miles to Europe. absenting himself from
he country for weeks together.
But Mr.. Wilson's genius and leadership lie,
not in following presidents, but in creating
them. Few statesmen have seen so keenly
as he that new occasions teach new duties,
or have been so bold and resourceful in adapt
ing means to ends. But the assuring thing
IS that he does not seek innovation for its own
sake and never swerves, in laT7e issues, from
the straight way of right and duty as he sees
them. knowing this, the public is disposed
to accept President Wilson's matured judg-
ment on the advisability of his attending the
peace conference, in place of its own first mis-
givings.
II appears from Washington advices that
ne reached his conclusion largely as a result
of earnest representations from Entente
statesmen who felt that his presence would
aid materially in translating into definite
terms the broad principles of just and stable
peace. Those principles have found their
largest and most widely accepted enunciation
in the Presidents own fourteen peace condi-
lions 1t is quite natural, therefore, that his
direct participation in the history-shaping
eonference should be urged by the Govern
<ments which share its vast responsibilities 1t
should be observed, too, that President Will
Son is a member of the Supreme War Coun-
In whose deliberations will bear vitality upon
The ensuing work of the peace conference.
He is as much a member as are the Premiers
. of Britain and France and Italy, who will
lake their seats in the Council as a matter of
prime duty; and certainly Americas stake
In all the plans and transactions is as mo-
#nentous as that of any of those countries.
III Paris and Versailles were comparatively
Il few hours journey from Washington, as
hey are from London and Rome. the Presi-
ient, as a matter OF course, would have at
Eended all decisive sessions of the Supreme
WAR Council. and his going to the peace con-
ference would have been taken for granted.
In is mainly if not entirely the distance in
FoIved that gives rise TO our establishment
hnd apprehension over his prospective trip.
But the mere distance does not alter the prin-
NeipIe of the case. There is much greater war
rant. the importance of the mission being
considered, for Mr.. wilson's crossing the At
antic than there was for Mr.. Taft's crossing
ne Canadian boundary or for Mr.. Roosevelts
stepP7ns>over to Panama.
III it be said that the dignity Of the Presi-
Rental office should deter Mr.. Wilson from
is intended trip, it can truly be answered
.fhat there is no dignity like that Of self
forgetting service. In no way could the Presi-
aent OF the United States so exalt his office
.hnd so honor his people as in helping to
souchsafe enduring peace and goodwill to
the world II. then, President Wilson is con-
&yiuced from his broad insight into the situa-
&ion that he can promote the common inter
ests of America and of mankind b. taking
personal part in he formative stages o. the
3beace conference. by all means he should go.
HE will go under the flags most vigilant
guardianship. with living message of Ameri-
Ear friendship for our brethren in democracy
beross the sea. and will be hailed by them as
living pledge of peace and justice among
nations.