The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1919-07-08
THE NORRIS ADDRESS


The mastery address of Hon. Nephi
l.. Morris on the Fourth of July was both
educative and pleasing. 1t was educative
in that he showed that our American
History in the matter of our relations
with England had been mis-written, or
we have mis-read it, He read from
dramatic Moments in American Diplo-
macy" by Page, work highly recon-
mended by the late Col Roosevelt prov
ing that our differences were not with
the English people, but with tyranical
king and at the same time showing that
at that time there were in England men
of character and backbone who dare to
stand up and speak for the right This
phase of the address was revelation to
many and was greatly enjoyed
The most pleasing feature of his adj
dress was his handling of the League of
Nations. After listening to the propag NJ
ola handed to us by Miss Tarbel and Priv
ate Peat, after being told that unless AMI
erica did thus and so America is doomed,
it was a genuine treat to listen to Mr.
Morris, and Notwithstanding the fact that
he is for the League of Nations, ard
thinks America should accept and adopt
it, yet he has faith in America, and If
America should reject it America will not
go to the demnation bow vows.
Mr.. Morris believed in the principle OF
the League of Nations, he wanted it for
the purpose of depressing and abolishing
wars, as far as it is possible to do so, and
hoped America would be one of its sigr-
ers. He felt, however, that it should be the
most perfect document that human brain
could write, and did not feel to criticize
those who had criticized the document.
In fact he rather rejoiced that America
was not made up of spineless creatures
who dare not speak He deprecated the
fact that it was not offered for criticism
and said "from the time President VII.
son arrived with the first draft it should
have been criticized" Time has vindi-
Gated this great mistake of the President.
asthe changes that have been made clear
ly testify. He felt that it should be furth-
err amended if necessary and like the gen
uine, broadminded, tolerant citizen that
he is he preached that imperishable doc
trine Sin multitude of council there IS
wisdom"
Mr.. Morris went further perhaps than
a great many of our citizens are willing
to go. In an outspoken truthful way he
declared that it meant a surrender of our
sovereignty and declared that "surren-
der of sovereignty is absolutely necessary
when the right to declare war is placed
in the hands of an executive council"
"That's what it MEANS" said he. "Are
you ready to do it? am. Because the
whole process of civilization is surren-
der, and we can trust England and
France" He then went on to explain
that in thus surrendering he felt like it
was simply exercising his sovereignty and
not surrendering it in the harsh meaning
of the world and in the hope that it would
bring about a Federation of the World
that would make war so unpopular, while
it may not prevent war, he was hopeful
that the League of Nations be made a
reality.
1t is on the last point that some of Mr..
Morris fellow citizens will halt. Some of
his fellow citizens still cling to the warm
ing of Washington against the mischiefs
of foreign intrigues,. to guard against
the impostures of pretended patriotism"
Some are old fashioned enough to believe
in Grover Cleveland's warning of "Peace,
commerce, and honest friendship with all
nations; entangling alliances with none"