Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-09-16
VIVA, America Entered the War For.

9 ONE among the opponents or rdtthCation
- of the treaty as written and subscribed
at Versailles by tho representatives of twenty
eight countries. to which tho signature OF
Austria subsequently has boon attached, con-
tend that the document goes outside OF and
beyond the purposes for which the people
OF tho United States entered tho struggle.
They insist that American participation vas
primarily to protect American lives and in
tercsts from tho German menace. and that
purpose having been accomplished with tho
crushing OF the German armies and the sign
ing of the armistice. this country should hold
aloof from Europe in safeguarded isolation.
and leave that country TO grapplc alone wit h
the stupcndous problem OF eadjusting itself
10 the now world order
That such was not the American intent
in entering tho war, was sharply stressed
by President Wilson in his Tacoma speech
Saturday. Reading from his address TO Con-
gross on April .. 1917. in which he asked the
government of the United States to accept
Germany's challenge 10 war he recalled these
meanngful words OF the address: I'VE shall
fight for the things have always carried
nearest orr hearts; for democracy; for the
right Of those who submit TO authority TO
have voice in their government; for
tho rights and liberties OF small nations; for
a universal dominion OF right OF such Il con-
cert of free peoples as will bring peace and
safety 10 all nations and make the world
itself al last free. TO such cause we can
dedicate our lives and fortunes every
thing that VIC arc, anything that VIC have.
with the pride Of those who know that the
lime has come when America is privileged to
spend her blood and her might for the prin-
ciplcs that gave her birth, Of happiness and
of peace which she has enjoyed. God helping
her she can do no other.
The American people do not forget with
what tremendous enthusiasm they received
this statement OF their aims as to the war.
Congress accepted the statement as the voic-
ing OF the great American heart. and in the
resolution which it all but unanimously
passed declaring war upon Germany. under
wrote American purpose in entering the
struggle and voted the means for carrying
on the war 10 its victorious conclusion and
10 the negotiating Of peace which should
achieve these splendid results. The people
OF America, now that victory has been won
on the bloody field Of battle. have not abated
one whit in their ardor for IA peace of justice
which should accomplish all of these noble
aims the triumph of the principles which
gave the nation its birth.
They believe that such a peace has been
negotiated and its permanence made secure
by the league Of nations plan incorporated
in the treaty. They want the program upon
which they started out, and to which they
gave such unified support in the modifying OF
their resources for its prosecution, carried
out to its fullest fruition, God help them,
they can hold no other attitude toward the
treaty which fulhlls that pledge Republican
senators. from motives OF partisan gain. may
confuse the Issue, but If they go to the ex-
IRENE OF defeating the treaty, or OF so amend
ing il as to undo the work already accom-
pliShed. and force il back into conference
for renegotiat ion. and thus delay for an in
definite period the return of peace. they will
call down upon themselves and their party
the overwhelming condemnation of the
American people and blast the hopes of the
world.