The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-07-16
Underwood Clear and
 Convincing Speech

UnQerW0OQ S Clear ana
 Convincing Speech M1O open-minded American could J N read Oscar W. Underwood's speech delivered in the United States Senate yesterday, in earnest support of the treaty of peace and the cove nant of the league of nations, and waver in his attitude toward the mo- mentous question now being debated in the upper house of Congress.
 The ratification of the treaty should be taken for granted and the cove nant seeking to prevent bloody wars in the future should surely have the indorSement of all well poised people whose patriotism rises above factional bias.
 Senator Underwood has long been distinguished as clear and forceful speaker. When he elucidates princi- ples he makes his meaning so plain that every one understands him, and when he surveys facts and relates them one to another in all their bear ings he is singularly Illuminating. Never, perhaps, was he more con vincing than on this occasion.
 His words were carefully thought out, and when in simple, straightfor- ward English he said he had settled in his mind, without reservation, to uphold the pact, the effect was grip ping and far-reaching.
 q have reached the conclusion" :" said the senator, "that, as a nation, we will be better off in the worlds af- fairs by accepting the terms of the present league of nations than to de- stroy all opportunity for the estab- llishment of a worlds tribunal of peace by the rejection of the treaty at this time.
 q shall, therefore, cast my vote against all amendments proposed tt the treaty that may delay it's ratifi 11o +o Do fn1 further delays and deliberation. shall vote for the ratification of the treaty as a whole, believing as I dc that, although it may have imperfec tions and may not express in it's en tirety the high ideals of everlasting Ipeace, yet that it is long step 1T the right direction"
 In matters of statesmanship con servative views may suggest wisdom as a rule. Progressive ideas are need. ed, but they are often carried to the point of dangerous radicalism. Under, wood is at once conservative ane modern.
 George Washington was a leader o1 marvellous vision. He was we'll named the Father of His Country" He wa. not only great soldier, but con structive statesman and sage. On, of his most profound warnings to hi Icountrymen was to avoid entanglin, alliances; in short, to keep out of ol world politics. <
 But if General Washington wer living today he would not be slow i modifying his opinion in respect to tn old world.
 We had to go to war with Germany It was war of defense, and once i lit the United States became a worl power.
 The founders of the republic fore saw great deal, but they could nc see everything.
 Isolation was a comforting terr and was sound national policy in tn early days, but as MT. Underwoo reminded his fellow senators, that tn steamship, the cable and the airshi have eliminated distance, and poiso gases and other devices have change the modes of warface. What scene good and feasible in Washington's da, would not answer now in the light o recent experiences.
 The league of nations, admittin, that it has imperfections, is best fo this country; best for humanity. A MT. Underwood remarked, in the Ian guage of Grover Cleveland, Git is condition, not theory, that con fronts us."
 It was a notable speech, indeed, an Twill ho .Ia accaI ac Nra of 1,.-