Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-11-15
Wilson and tho Peace Conference

a MERICA'S attitude Of disinterestedness
( in the remaking OF the map of Europe,
aside from Its wish that justice be done and
the future safeguarded; its unselflsh sacr1-
flee throughout its participation In the war
which made allied victory possible. and the
pre-eminence OF his position as the worlds
spokesman for democracy, combine to make
1t inevitable that the presence Of President
wilson at the peace conference should be
ardently desired His words Of counsel, the
personal e3pounding OF his democratic ideas
ana MS sage leadership along the paths that
lead to lasting peace are sought by the allied
statesmen, while doubtless Germany will
hope for his attendance in the knowledge that
his demand will be for exact justice, that
revenge will have no part in his program
and he will be the advocate and champion
OF helpfulness as the proper groundwork on
"nlch TO base and make possible the future
iamliy or nations Conceding all this, still
1t undoubtedly would be a mistake for him
personally to attend the conference.
mere are sound arguments for the pres
ence OF the American President. 1t would be
without precedent, but there would be no
improperly in his sitting ut counsel with
the Premfers Of those countries at whose side
This one has fought How he regards the
pressing behests from Europe that he at
tend Is known only to himself. and his must
be the decision. But the arguments against
MS attendance are stronger and more nu-
merous than those which favor 1t, and 1t
would not be the part of safety or wisdom
or receive the approval of the country at
large.
10 the President himself Il would mean
considerable personal risk, and It would
enuanger the nation in the possible loss OF
his services during this critical period of
peace-making, REIMBURSEMENT and reconstruct
uon Nor Is his physical presence at the
peace table necessary In these days OF wire
less and cable communication he will be only
few moments removed from the conference
and In such close touch with his representa-
tlVes that his absence can in no wise cause
inconvenience or delay. AS he has been in
constant touch with the Versailles conference
and the American commanders. so his views
and decisions will be Immediately available
70 the men charged with the momentous task
Of making peace.
There is also another angle which rnust be
considered. and one that doubtless will in
fuence the President. 1t is the fact that
the country recently has overturned the
democratic majority and elected a Rcpubli-
can Congress. 1t is hardly conceivable that
politics will be allowed to enter into this
grave proceeding but it is possible that the
work OF the peace conference and the course
or the President will fail to meet with the
approval of the Republican Senate, in which
case there would be serious embarrassment
10 MIN and corresponding loss of prestige
conditions may change before the President
IS called on to determine his action, but as
they stand now it is likely that he will re-
main In the White House with his firm hand
on domestic affairs as we'll as the peace pro-
gram abroad, and will be represented by the
premier in his Cabinet, Secretary of State
l,anslns' ana his personal plenipotentiary
Colonel House. while in view OF recent no.
htlcal happenings 1t is believed that the Ro
puoiicans will be strongly represented by
such men as Root ana Lodge