Gunnison news-champion., 1919-03-14
THE ROLE OF WILSON

Ex-Congressman John A. Martin in
Pueblo Star-Journal:-
When we are prone to criticise
President Wilson Mt the Peace Con-
gress, we should bear in mind the
scope and aim of the role he is play
ing. Wilson will be the first univer-
sal figure in human history. He will
be the first man whose name will have
vital connection with the govern
mental affairs of all the peoples of
the world. For the first time in the
history of the world all the nations are
gathered in conference to adjust the
relations Of the world, or are directly
concerned in the adjustments made.
And in this conference President Will
son is playing the leading role.
Alexander conquered the world, but
the world he conquered was small
twilight zone in the universal dark
ness. Caesar conquered the world,
but the principal part Of his world
surrounded q small sea and the great
bulk of its population, even then liv-
ing, never heard of Caesar. Napoleon
won a place in history with Caesar
and Alexander, but the theatre of his
action was the continent of, Europe
and the role he played touched the
other continents at no vital point.
Each nation has produced great ma
tional figures, some Of whom in the
course Of time have exerted indirect
influence upon the affairs of mankind.
But for the first time world stage is
set. The man now holding the center
Of this world stage will not be the
last and he may not be the greatest,
but he is indisputably the first.
The world is immensely concerned
in what manner Of man he is. He
said on q former occasion that regard
less Of his personal fortunes he would
play for the verdict Of mankind. Since
then he has been reelected to the
presidency and his career for the pop
ular suffrage Is ut an end. He is now
as far removed from concern as to his
personal fortunes as is humanity pos
sible. He stands upon an eminence
from which only history can remove
him.
II Is thru this prospective that we
must view President Wilson. He
thus appears q figure from which all
confederation Of Tear or favor falls
away. It is not what the papers say
today or what the Senate says tomor-
row, but what history will say in .
hundred years that concerns Wilson.
II Is not the applause Of England or
the acclaim Of France, or the criticism
Of Germany or the reverse Of these
things that will influence Wilson.
Every nation involved-and they are
all involved will be displeased in
some particular, some Of them, per-
haps in matters which at this moment
are considered vital. But Wilson see
ing before him . world Of nations
aligned to new, better and more en-
during adjustments, will move for
ward to that goal regardless Of ap-
plause or criticism. II history re-
CARDS the work as in the main well
done, it will record its verdict accord
ingly and the frictions and disappoint-
ments Of the moment will be forgot
ten.
Today we are cheered and tomor-
row we are disappointed by what is
given from the Peace Council. But
II the man who chartered its labors
and conceived q parliment Of the
world while yet the nations were at
war, holds steadfast to his course, the
result will be the greatest and best
achievement in human history, and
the name Of Woodrow Wilson will
stand distinct in the books Of all Ian
guages, and will be as lasting as his
tory.
II is stupendous role. It is an
eminence from which the observer
may look down upon the imagined
dizzy heights Of rulers and conquerors
But the man is going about his task
there as simply, directly and unosten-
tatiously rs the school master at his
daily work. His head may be among
the stars but his feet are on the
ground. He is simplicity. democracy
and directioness personified. The
stars in their course are with him and
he cannot fail. Woodrow Wilson will
write : new chapter in the history Of
the whole world.