The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1918-12-31
PRESIDENTS REPLY TO KING
Wilson Refers 10 The Moral Force Of
the World


the World.
London. Dec. Replying 10 the
Kings address President Wilson said
am deeply complimented by the
gracious words which you have utter
ed. The welcome which YOU have
given me and Mrs. Wilson has been so
warm. so natural, 50 evidently from
the heart. that we have been more
than pleased We have been touched
by it. and believe that correctly in
terpret that welcome as embOdying
no, only your own generous spirit tow
ard us personally but also as express
ing Tor your elf and the great nation
over which you preside that same
feeling Tor my people, for the people
of the United States.
For YOU and /, sill temporarily
embody the spirit of two great ma
tions. and whatever strength I have
and whatever authority, possess it
only so long and 50 far as express
the spirit and purpose of the Ameri-
can people
Every influence that the American
people have over the affairs of the
world is measured by their sympathy
with the aspirations OF free men
everywhere.
America does love freedom. and
believe that she loves freedom unset
hshly But il she does not she viii
not and cannot help the influence to
which she justly aspires.
have had the privilege sir of CON
ferring with the leaders of your own
government and with the spokesman
: OF the governments Of France and OF
Italy, and am glad TO say that have
the same conceptions that they have
OF the significance and scope of the
duty on which we have met.
We have used great words; all of us
have used the great words right and
Justice" and now we are to prove
whether or not we understand these
words. and how they are to be applied
to the particular settlements which
must conclude this war.
And we must not only understand
them. but we must have the courage
to act upon our understanding.
Yet after / have uttered the wore
COURAGE" It comes into my mind tina
IL would take more courage to resis
the great moral tide now running II
"A the world than to yield to II, than q
Ii obey It.
There Is great tide running in IN
hearts of men, The hearts OF me-
hive never beaten so singularly !
unison before Men have never b.
fore realizes how little differenc
there was between right and justic
in one latitude and in another undo
one sovereignty and under another
And 1t viii be our high privilege
believe. sin. not only 10 apply tn
N moral judgment OF the word TO III
4 particular settlements which we sha
II attempt. but also 10 organize The mo
- al force of the world to preserve thos
N settlements to steady the forces
I. mankind and to make the right 40
the Justice to which great nations nv
- our gwn have devoted themselves, q
- predominant and controlling force
IE the world
There is something inspiring
knowing that this IS the errand tn
we have come on Nothing less th'
this wc.l have justified me IN lea
ing the important tasks which fall u
ON me upon the other side OF the SCI
nothing but the consciousness IN
nothing else compares with this
~ dignity and Importance.
u Therefore 81 is the more delight
~ TO find myself in the company OF
body OF men united in ideal and p'
nd poe and TO feel that ! am priviles
'~ ID unite my thoughts with yours
CARRYING forward these standar
which wc.are so proud to hold so hi
srs. and 20 defend
ills. May / not, SIR with feeling OF p'
found sincerity and friendship al
}mnaihy propose your health and {
do. health OF Die queen and the prospect
ers of Great Britain?