Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-01-16
WILSON Sure
WORLD LEAGUE
WILL SURVIVE
In Speech to Throng He Says
Doubters Had Better
Get Out of Way
CROWD AT RESIDENCE
Former Presidents Vice is Clear and
Shows No Signs of Weakness
Greeted With Applause

Washington, Jan. 16. - Former
President Woodrow Wilson, in re-
sponse to the demand of more than
1000 persons who marched from
mass meeting at the National Theatre
to his S street home yesterday, MADE
a brief doorstep speech on the
League of Nations.
The demonstration rivalcd that held
in his honor Armistice Day.
The afternoon CALI was a sponta-
neous affair and came as climax TO
the Woodrow Wilson Foundation meet
ing in the theatre, when young man
in the audience moved that they take
the band with them and go to Mr..
Wilson's house.
"Such demonstration of friendship
and confidence" began the former
President, rs indeed gratifying. AS
for the vitality of the League of Ma
tions ! have no fear. 1t will take care
of itself. And those who don't be-
lcve in it had better get out of the
way.
MY only anxiety is to have our
people headed in the right direction.
This demonStration-l don't de-
serve it, but enjoy it nevertheless"
There was a ripple of laughter at
the warning to get out of the way. AT
his last statement cries OF Yes, you
do" came from the audience. The eX-
President spoke in clear tones and
without sign of weakness. Persons
across the street heard him distinctly,
although there were many beyond
reach of his voice.
The march from the theatre had
beer a long one and it was dusk by the
time they arrived at the Wilson home.
There had been no diminution of num-
bcrs but an increase. With the band
playing they packed the dooryard and
the entire street and for nearly Il
block in each direction.
In the midst of cheers for Woodrow
Wilson and Mrs. Wilson there was
demand for Samuel Gompers, who had
been one Of the speakers at theatre.
Mr.. Gompers fought his way to the
entrance and disappeared inside.
Shortly he rcappcared with the form
er President and Mrs. Wilson amid
deafcning cheers. Mr.. Gompers made
d brief address, announcing TO Mr.
Wilson the nature of the demonstra-
ton and the faith they all had that
the League of Nations would survive
whether it be called four-power pact
or what not.
I'VE have not ceased to remember
nor can we fail to address you as
Mr.. President" said Mr.. Gompers.
"Today we have held a great mass
meeting to the honor of you, sir, and
the ideals for which you have stood.
We live in your spirit and our acts
in the future will be 10 mobilize that
sentiment that we know to exist
throughout this land to back the plan
of brotherhood that you initiated
"iou have blazcd the way. We wish
you health and long life"
Quite as remarkable as the 'front.'
yard meeting was the mass assem-
blage preceding it, which iammed the
New National Theatre. From first to
last it was League of Nations dem
onstration. Mention of Woodrow Will
sons domestic legislation brought lit
tie response.
1t was when the presiding officer
Charles Edward Russell, spoke of "the
man who had ovcrtaXed himself in his
effort to establish Il new order" and
when Samuel T. Elliot, Of Boston, said
the multitude of Americans believe
in fair play" that the audience was
aroused to the greatest enthusiasm.
Hamilton Holt, of the National
Committee on the Wilson Foundation,
gave the first clear picture of the
manner in which the memorial would
be expressed. 1t will be a fund of 81, :
100000 or more the interest from
which will be snent each year as a
Woodrow Wilson prize, Ii Ike the Nobel
prizes, to award that man or woman
who in the opinion of special COM
mittec has attempted the most in
the direction that Mr.. Wilson aimed.
eve propose to steal a march on the
verdict of history and do it now while
Mr.. Wilson is alive" declared Mr.
Holt.
''IEc has been wonderful cx-Presi-
dent" continued Mr.. Holt. "He has
never dramatizcd his sck-bed. He has
, never illuminated those who pulled
him down. He has signed no round
robins. In the words OF st. Paul he
has fought the good fight, he has kept
the faith.