Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1919-01-16
THE PRESIDENT IN EUROPE
III
La Studying Problems That VIII Re
Discussed iat Peace Table


-h- 9
While Americans pride themselves t
on being the freest people on earth. {
there is one bond-that of precedent !
which holds them so securely as to
constitute at times. a very serious |
interference with the exercise of
rights and the performance of duties
necessary for the public welfare.
1t was this. and this alone which
caused such widespread delirium
throughout the country a few weeks
ago when President Wilson announc-
ed his purpose of going to Europe.
Everyone admitted the fact that he
had perfect right to go, but thou
sands OF our leading citizens pro-
tested vigorously against such a
course largely because the thing had
never been done by any other occu-
pant OF the White House.
The president is now in Europe
and has been there for over two
weeks; moreover he has been absent
from the United States for nearly
month. and still none of the dire ca
lamities predicted by those who op-
posed his trip have come to pass
while. on the other hand. it is be-
coming more and more apparent to
every one who keeps in touch with
the march of events that 1t is very
fortunate that we have in Woodrow
Wilson, at least one citizen who de-
clines to let the silly American super
stitson that thing not yet done
should never be done. interfere with
the full exercise of the right and duty
to follow the dictates OF ones consci-
ence and best judgment. rather than
senseless rules of precedent
Long before the war closed, IL was
apparent that. when the end came.
the terms of the armistice would be
based largely, II not entirely, upon
the ideas OF justice outlined by our
president in his messages to Con-
gress and his notes to the Central
powers: and ever since the signing
OF the armistice 1t has been equally
clear that the final peace terms will
be nodded very closely along the
lines which President Wilson consid-
ers best for the worlds welfare This
Is true both because he represents
the greatest OF all nations and one
which. although II has been the de-
ciding factor in the war. has no sell
fish interests TO promote at the peace
table and also because he has be-
come through his public uttreances
and official acts the recognized and
universally trusted premier OF the
world And il the proposed league
OF nations We're now In existence. and
the proposition of electing presi-
dent OF that league we're pending be
fore the nations OF the world. Wood
row Wilson would undoubtedly be
chosen for that exalted office with
ou; opposition.
Our president. then. is in posi-
tion which maks Il incumbent upor
him to become. with the least pos
sible delay. thoroughly familiar will
the many delicate and complicated
international. problems which mus
be dealt with in the framing OF th'
final peace terms This information
he Is getting at first hand by hi
close contact with the people whom
he meets and the conditions which h.
views, not only in Paris and London
but throughout the devastated reg
ions OF France and Belgium. II ma
be easy enough here In peaceful an
prosperous Americana matter hoy
much one may desire to be just
say that the wcr should end withou
indemnities and without the infi'
tion OF punishment upon those res
ponsible for Il, but to be really jus
in the matter to all concerned, on
Should see with his own eyes Ga
least so far as that course is no
possible just what the Germans an
their allies have really done Ant
in order to be In a position to dete
mine what is necessary to prevent
repitition OF this great crime. 1t
important to see and to understan
Just how near Germany came to II
accomplishment OF her purpose
conquer and ensiave the world
These facts were undoubtedly rea
lied by President Wilson before
announced HIS intention to visit e
rope. and they are not only sufficie
to Justify his course. but, II he hi
failed to see and perform his duty
the matter. they would have cons
tuted. in the minds OF future gener
tons, a serious indictment again
him