The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1920-09-02

and also by nominees of the President,
and Supreme Court-could draw I'D
suggestions for the reconstruction of
the league, which would be consonant
with the feeling not of one, but of all
parties In America
"Frankly, value that suggestion
very highly, because 1t is proffered
obviously in helpful and friendly
spirit and reveals an important Old
World opinion on the necessity of
amendment, revision or reconstruction.
1t cOmprehends substantially what |
would propose to do II elected presl-
dent. do not mean precisely that II
would be clearly unwlse to undertake
specific suggestions or to attempt to
pass upon suggestions now. What is
In my mind is the wisdom of calling
into real conference the ablest and
most experienced minds Of this coun.
try, from whatever walks Of life they
may be derived and without regard to
party affilation, to formulate a def
mite, practical plan along the lines al
ready indicated for the consideration
of the controlling foreign powers.
1.-THE objection, strongly uttered In
some quarters, that this course would
involve the reconvenlng of the entire
convention may be regarded as a very
slight one. The acceptance of our
proposals by the few principal nations
would undoubtedly be followed
promptly by the acceptance on the
part Of the minor members of the al.
lance.
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 dlsregardlng the proprieties,
should give very earnest and practical
ly undivided attention to this very
vital subject from the day of my elcc-
tion and l should ask others to do
likewise as matter Of public and
patriotic duty. Indeed, should hope
to have behind me. after tho decision
on the national referendum. we are
soon to have, country wholly united
In earnest endeavor to achieve true
solution of this problem upon which
the future civilization 30 largely de-
ponds.
Already Announced.
II have already announced that I
shall urge prompt passage Of the res
olution, vetoed by the president, de-
claring at an end the preposterous con-
dition OF technical war when We are
actually at peace. simultaneously, I
shall naturally advise the resumption
by the Congress of its exceptional
powers, which have been vested by war
legislation in the executive. have no
expectation whatever of finding II
necessary or advisable to negotiate
separate peace with Germany.
AN view Of the simple fact tina, the
allied powers with whom we were as
ISOLATED In the war have already for.
mally concluded their peace, the pas
sage Of the peace resolution by con-
gress would merely give formal recog-
milton to an obvious fact.
Our UnseInshness Emphasized.
"Let us take stock for moment of
America In the world, aye, and OF
America at home. The end of the war
found our unselflshness emphasized to
all mankind, and the garlands of
world leadership were bestowed from
every direction. We had only to follow
the path Of America, rejoicing In the
Inheritance which led to our emlnence,
to rtvet the gaze Of all peoples upon
our standards Of national righteousness
and our conception Of International
Justice. Moreover, the world was ready
to 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 hold
every outpost Of advancing civilization
and Invite all Dati0ns to Join the fur
ther advance, to heights dreamed Of,
but never approached before. But
force Of example was flung aside for
force Of armed alliance. We neglected
our establishments and restoratlons at
home, and the cruel sacrifice of MIL,
lions Of lives and billions of treasure
left us and the world creeping in uncer-
tainty and anxiety instead Of revealing
US In the sunlight Of a new day, with
lines formed, ready for the onward
march Of peace and all Its triumpha
let's Resume Our Place.
Mindful Of our splendid example
and renewing every oblieation Of as