Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-12-19
Il Cogent Business Appeal
For Action on the Treatv.

~ ROM the New York State Chamber of
Commerce, which is neither partisan
nor sentimental, comes an appeal con-
corning the Treaty of Peace, reasoned and
cogent appeal, which cannot fail to win re-
Spouse throughout the nation. Rightly as
sorting that we entered the World Conflict
not only to preserve self-respect and free in
sttutions, but also to end war, or at least
to lessen its future likelihood, this body of
business men, representing all fields of eco
nomic interest and all shades of political
ton to fulfill the hope which American valor
nobly fought for and advanced
That hope now lies in grievous suspense
The Treaty which gave it form and substance
and means of operation stands rejected by
the Senate. Thirteen months after the ar
mistice we are still in Estate of war; with
Germany, still unsettled in our most impor-
tant International relationships, still without
guarantees against a recurrence of world-en-
quilting strife. The American army and navy
did their duty to the utmost and with glori-
Gus outcome. The American peace delegates
at the Versailles conference did their part,
and a part of rare distinction it was, in
drafting a covenant to make the hard-won
peace secure. That covenant has been rat-
fed by all the leading powers except Ameri-
ca and Americas sanction waits only upon
the Senate.
But so long has it waited that the
situation has grown critical-"a cri-
sis in morals and in trade the New York
Chamber of Commerce calls it. 1--WE are los
ing moral leadership" say those conserva-
tive and keenly watchful captains of bust
ness, while 1.-The legitimate commerce which
nc &c eli
does this come about? "The prosperity of
Americas export trade exports of cotton and
fOodstuffs as we'll as manufacturers is large
ly dependent upon the extension of credits to
our customers abroad. But pending cond-
ton of peace, and the establishment of a
known basis for the continuance of interna-
tional trade, no adequate credit plans can pos
sibly be established How disquieting-
alarming" is the word used by the New
York Chamber-this unsettled state of af-
fairs has become to the whole world of bust
ness is evidenced by '"the continued and
wholly unprecedented fall in the rates of ex-
Change fall almost detrimental for us
as exporters, it is for the unfortunate
peoples of Europe who are unable to buy
from us the food and materials which they
so sorely need
This is the testimony of cool and competent
observers Grant that they are concerned
because their business is involved. Who that
knows the wide reaches of such business and
us vital bearing upon the nations every ma
terlal interest is not concerned he watches
the tide of world trouble coming swifter and
higher in consequence of the Treatys delay?
NO American who values his own and his
country's welfare can be Indifferent to this
crucial matter, or fail to join in the appeal
for speedy adjustment of the differences
that keep the Treaty from ratification. Too
much is at stake for business-little bust
ness we'll as big business-and too much
is at stake for Humanity, to let pride par
tisanship stand In the way CT honorable
peace.