Evening star., 1922-02-06

JUSTLY dTIHS.
1t little matters what We ap
praise as the outstanding accom-
plishment Any one Of them alone
would have justified the confer
ence. But the whole achievement
has so cleared the atmosphere that
1t will seem like breathing the re-
freshlng ar of new morn Of
promise.
First Deliberate Expression.
You have written the first de-
1iberate and effective expression
OF great powers. in the conscious
ness Of peace. Of wars utter fulfil
ity, and challenged the sanity of
competitive preparation for each
Others destruction. You have
halted folly and lifted burdens,
and revealed to the world that the
one sure way to recover from the
sorrow and ruin and staggering
obligations of a world war is to
end the strife in preparation for
more of 1t, and turn human ener-
gies to the constructiveness Of
peace.
Not all the world is ye: tran
quilted. But here is the example.
to imbue with new hope all who
dwell in apprehension. At this table
came understanding. and under
standing brands armed conflict as
abomniable In the eyes of enligtt-
ened civilization.
I once believed in armed pre-
paredness. l advocated it. But
have come now to believe there is
a better preparedness in a public
mind and world opinion made
ready to grant justice precisely as
1t exacts it. And justice is better
served in conferences of peace
than in conflicts at arms.
Points Out Simplicity.
How simple it all has been.
When you met here twelve weeks
ago there was not a commitment,
not an obligation except that which
each delegation owes to the gov
ernment commissioning it. But hu-
man service was calling, world
conscience was impelling. and
world opinion directing.
No intrigue. no .offensfveaor de-
fensive alliances. no inducements
have wrought your agreements,
but reasoning with each other to
common understanding has made
new relationship among govern
ments and peoples, new securities
for peace. and new opportunities
for achievement and attending
happiness.
Here have been established the
contacts of reason. here have come
the Inevitable Understandings of
faee-to-face exchanges when pas
sion does not inflame. The very
atmosphere shamed national self
ishness into retreat. Viewpoints
were exchanged, differences COM
posed, and you came to under
stand how common, after all, are
human aspirations: how alike. in
deed, and how easily reconcilable
are our national aspirations: how
sane and simple and satisfying to
seek the relationships of peace
and security.
Told Of U. 8. Thought.
When you first met told
you of our Americas thought to
seek less of armament and none of
war; that we sought nothing
which is another's, and we were
unafraid, but that we wished to
join you in doing that finer and
nobler thing which no fation can
do alone. We rejoice in the ac-
complishment.
1t may be that the naval holiday
here contracted will expire with
the treaties, but / do not believe
decade are more likely to witness
growth of public opinion.
strengthened by the new expert
ence, which will make nations
more concerned with living to the
fulfillment of Gods high intent
than with agencies of warfare and
destruction. Since this conference
of nations has pointed with ana
nimity to the way of peace today.
like conferences in the future.
under appropriate conditions and
with aims both we'll conceived and
definite, may illumine the high
ways and byways of human ac-
tivity. The torches of understand
ing have been lighted, and they
ought to glow and encircle tho
Again, gentlemen Of the confer
ence. congratulations and the
Belgium, to the British empire, to
China. to France, to Italy, to Japan.
to the Netherlands. and to Portugal
Il can wish no more than the
same feeling, which we experience,
of honorable and honored contribu-
tion to happy human advancement,
and a new sense Of security in the
righteous pursuits of peace and all
attending good fortune.
Kept Informed Of Steps.
From our own delegates I have
known from time to time Of your
activities, and Of the spirit of con-
ciliation and adjustment, and the
cheering readiness Of all Of you to
strive for that unanimity 20 essen
tial to accomplishment. Without
IT, there would have been failure;
with 1t you have heartened the
world.
And I know our guests will
pardon me while make grateful
acknowledgment to the American
delegation-to you. Mr.. Secretary
Hughes; to you. Senator Lodge; tc
YOU, Senator Underwood; to you
Mr.. Root; to all of you for your
able and splendid and highly pur.
posed and untiring endeavors In
behalf of our government and oul
people; and to our excellent ad.
viso1y committee which gave te
you SO dependable a reflex of tina,
American public opinion which
charts the course Of this republic
It is all 90 fine, SO gratifying, SC
reassuring, 30 full of promise. that
above the murmurings Of q world
sorrow not yet silenced, above the
groans which come Of excessive
burdens not yet lifted but now te
be liehtened, above the discourage.
ments of q world yet struggling tc
: md. itself after surprising up.
/. .heaval,, there 10 the note of rejoic-
/. ing which IL not alone ours OF
yours. or Of all of US. but comes
from. the hearts Of men OF all the