Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-08-28

leHks tDht sthteneDt Ut pHNr iuI tIASi Vp'A-
ion upon the unfortunate league. It has
already been abandoned by Europe,
which had gone 80 far ~ TO accept it by
formal agreement in treaty.
Listen 10 the wise and farsecing, form
er British ambassador, who was not per-
mitted to present his credentials to our
executive. As long said Viscount
Grey hardly month ngo, ms long NJ tho
richest, most powerful, the greatest, both
for population and territory, of the clviliz-
ed countries OF the world stands outside
the league, the league will be unable 10
fulfill its destiny. They put il in quite
plain terms, tho Americans must bc told
thnt If they will only join the league they
can practically name their own terms.
"Undoubtedly that is the fact. ask
Is there any reason why VIC should not
avail ourselves Of this privilege? Not in
any arrogant, domineering, patronizing.
selfish way, but simply as n matter Of fair
ness and right to our own people.
"Viscount Grey continues: The Ameri-
cans should be entrusted with the task Of
drafting reconstruction scheme Then
he suggests further that n committee Of
the Senate could draw up suggestions for
the reconstruction Of the league
Frankly, ! value that suggestion very
highly. II comprehends substantially
what ! would propose to do II elected
President. do not mean precisely that.
II would be clearly unwise to undertake
specific suggestions or TO attempt TO
pass upon suggestions now. What ~ IN
my mind is the wisdom Of calling into
real confidence the ablest and most ex-
perienced minds Of this country from
whatever walks of life they may be derived
and without regard to party affiliation, to
formulate a definite, practical plan along
the lines already indicated for the con-
sideration Of the controlling foreign
powers.
"Tne objection that this course would
involve the reconvening Of the entire
convention, may be regarded as a very
slight one The acceptance Of our pro-
posals by the few principal nations would
undoubtedly be followed promptly by the
acceptance on the part OF the minor
members Of the aiiiance.
"There would be no material delay
Insofar as ] could do so, without disre-
uarding the proprjeties, should give very
earnest and practically undivided atten-
ton to this very vital subject from the
day OF ms election. and should ask others
TO do likewise as a matter Of pubic and
patriotic duty.
Does someone say that ought TO be
more specihcY One cannot be, with any
sense Of certainty. No one can fore.ee the
exact conditions by which our country
will be confronted seven months hence
World opinion and our own opinion have
been changing very rapidly in the last few
months.
III have no expectation whatever OF
finding IL necessary or advisable 10 ne
gotiate n separate peace with Germany.
In view of the simple fact that the allied
powers with whom VIC were associated IN
the war have already formally concluded
their peace, the passage Of peace resoiu-
ton by Congress would merely give
formal recognition TO an obvious fact.
During the six years Of my service in
Washington | have co-operated quite IN
sistently with my colleagues In msintaln-
ing the prerogatives Of the senate "a de-
fined by the Constitution. In dong so
fell. that was only performing my duty
under my oath Of Office. Nevertheless,
Justly or unjustly, in common with others,
] have been subjected 70 moro or less
criticism which, Of course, ! have not
thought of resentinR.
''The point which have in mind IS, II
all goes well, on the fourth of March next,
shall cease to be a Senator and almost as
surely SrHtl DfEDi1f Ifie ff'slbsht+ w tAat
wish, in passing, 20 call 10 your atten-
ton is that as a Senator have established
for myself a precedent and you may rest
assured that shall guard with equal
frmness, insistance and jealousy the
prerogatives Of the Executive, who is
perhaps more distinctly and personally
responsible than any other official directly
to the whole American people.
"Let us take stock for moment Of
America in the world, aye, and Of America
at home Let US be done with wiggling
and wobbling. Steady Americal Our
moral leadership was lost when ambition
sought 10 superimpose a reactionary
theory Of discredited autocracy upon the
principle of living, glowing
Democracy. My chief aspiration, my
if clothed with power, will
be to regain that lost leadership, not for
myself, not even for my party, though
honoring and trusting it as do, but for
my r0afOtry y