The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1920-09-17

must never forget the Senate's rights
and duties in regard to foreign affairs
being reinforced by the members OF
the House of representatives, and also
by nominees of the President, and su-
preme court-could draw up sugges-
lions for the reconstruction OF the
League, which would be consonant
with the feelings not of one, but OF all
parties In America
Frankly value that suggestion
very highly, because IL 10 proffered OBJ
viously In helpful and friendly spirit
and reveals an important Old World
opinion on the necessity OF amendment,
revision or reconstruction. 1t compre-
bends substantially what would pro
pose to do IL elected President.
don't mean precisely that. 1t would
be clearly unwiss to undertake specific
suggestions or to attempt to pass upon
suggestions now. What is in my mind
L. the wisdom Of calling into real con-
ference the ablest and most expert
enced minds Of this country, from
whatever walks Of life they may be
derived, and without regard to party
affiliation, 10 formulate a de1Mte
practical plan along the lines already
indicated for the consideration Of Che
controlling foreign powers.
THE objection, strongly uttered In
some quarters, that this course would
involve the reconvening Of the entire
convention, may be regarded al
very slight one. The acceptance of
our proposals by the new principal
nations would undoubtedly be followed
promptly by the acceptance on the part
of the minor members Of the alliance.
There would be no material delay.
One can not disregard the leadership
or have any doubt about the influence
of the principal allied and associated
powers. Insofar as could do so, with
out disregarding the properties,
should give very earnest, and practi'
cally undivided attention to this very
vital subject from the day of my cleo
ton and should ask others to do
likewise as matter of public and pa
trotic duty. Indeed, should hope to
have behind me, after the decision on
the national referendum we are soon
to have, country wholly united IN
earnest endeav0R to achieve q true 50
luton Of this problem upon which
the future civilization SO largely de-
ponds.
Il have already announced that /
shall urge prompt passage of the reso-
luton, vetoed by the President, declar-
ing at an end the preposterous condi-
ton of technical war when we are ac-
tually at peace. simultaneously shall
naturally advise the resumption by the
Congress of its exceptional powers,
which have been vested by war legis-
lation In the executive. I have no ex-
pectation whatever of finding it nee
essary or advisable to negotiate a sep
arate peace with Germany.
In view of the simple fact that the
allied powers with whom we were as
ISOLATED In the war have already form
ally concluded their peace, the passage
OF the peace resolution by Congress
would merely give formal recogni-
ton to an obvious fact.
Let us take stock for moment of
America in the world, aye, and of
America at home. The end of the war
found our unselfishness emphasized to
all mankind and the gariands of world
leadership were bestowed from every
direction. We had only to follow the
path of America, rejoicing in the in.
heritance which led to our eminence
10 riVet the gaze of all peoples to our
standards of national righteousness
ana our conception of international
Justice. Moreover, the world was ready
70 give us its confidence. It was the
reckoning opportunity of the centuries
not for the glorification of the new
world republic, but for America to
hoiu every outpost of advancing civil
lzaFion and invite all nations to Join
| tue further advance to heights dreamed
OIL out never approached before. Rut
1orce OF example was flung aside ftv
| force or armed alliance. We neglected
our readjustments and reservations at
nome and the cruel sacrifice of millions
Oh llves and billions of treasure left us
ana the world cropping in uncertainty
ana anxiety instead of revealing us In
the sunlight Of new day, with lines
formed ready for the onward march
OF peace and all its triumphs.
Mindful of our splendid example
ana renewing every obligation of asso-
ciation IN war, I want America to be
the rock OF security at home, resolute
III righteousness and unalterable in Sc.
curly and supremacy of the law. Let
Us be done with wiggling and webbing