New-York tribune., 1922-02-07

ION, have set the stage more favor
ably here. You have met in that
calm delibcration and that deter
mined resolution which have mad,
a just peace, in righteous relation
ship, its own best guaranty.
IT has been The fortune of irs
conference to sit in q day far
enough removed from wars bitter
ness. yet near enough to wars hor-
rors. to gam the benefit Of both the
hatred of war and the yoarning for
peace. Too often. hcretofo orc, the
decades following such gatherings
have been marked by the difficult
undoing Of their decisions. But
cause no seed Of conflict has been
sown. no reaction in regret or re
sentiment ever can Justify resort to
arms.
Atmosphere Is Cleared
It little matters what We appralsc
as the outstanding accom- plisnment.
Any one Of them alone would have
justified the conference But tho
whole achievement has so cleared the
atmosphere that it will seem ike
breathing the refreshing air OF
new morn of promise
YOU have written the first dclib-
crate and effective EXPRESSION of
great powers. in The consciousness Of
peace. OF wars utter futility, and
challenged the sanity of competitive
preparation for each others destruc-
ton. fou have halted folly and lift
ed burdens and revealed to the world
that the one sure way to recover
from the sorrow and ruin and stag
Scring obligations of worlds war
is to end the strife in preparation
for moro of it, and turn human en-
crgleS TO the constructvcnes of
peace.
Not all the world is yet TRANQUIL.
lzed. But here is the example, to
mbuc with new hope all who dwell
IN apprcn cnsion. At this table came
understanding, and understanding
brands armed conflict AS abominable
IN the eyes Of enlightened civilian
ton.
once believed IN armed prepared
ness. ] advocated it, But | have
come now to believe there is better
preparedness in public mind and q
world opinion made ready to grant
justice precisely as it exacts it. And
justice is better served in confer
c7ces Of peace than in conflicts at
arms.
How Simple 1t Has Been
How simple it all mas been, When
You met here twelve weeks ago there
was not q comm mitneent, not an obi ga
ton except that which each delega-
ton owes to the government commits
slonlng it. But human service was
calling, world conscience was impell-
ing and world opinion directing.
No intrigue, no offensive or defcn-
slve alliances, no involvements have
wrought your agreements, but reason
ing with each other to common un-
derstandng has made new relation
ships among governments and peo-
Piles, new securities for peace and
new opportunities for achievement
and attending happiness.
Here have been established the con-
facts of reason; here has come the
inevitable understanding of face
to-facc exchanges when passion does
not in6ame- The very atmos phere
shamed national selhshness into re-
treat. Viewpoints were exchanged,
differences composed and you came
TO understand how common, after all,
are human aspirations; how alike,
indeed. and how easily reconcilable
arc our national aspirations; how
sane and simple and satisfying TO
seek the relationships of peace and
security.
When you FIRST met ! told you Of
our Americas thought to seek less of
arm anment and none of war; that VIC
sought nothing which is another's,
and we were unafraid, but that we
wished N Join you in doing that finer
and nobler thing which no nation can
do alone. We rejoice in that &C
complishment
Understanding Lighted
It may be that the naval holiday
here contracted will expire with the
treaties. but do not believe it, Those
of Us who live another decade are
more likely to witness a growth of
public opinion, strengthened by Shc
new experience, which will make ma
tions more concerned with living to
the fuli llmcnt Of Gods high intent
than with agencies of warfare and
destruction.
Since this conference Of matt ons has
pointed with unanimity TO the way
of peace to-day. like conferences in
the future, under appropriate con-
ditions and with aims both well con
ceived and definite, may illumine the
highways and byways of human ac-
tiSity. The torches of understand
ing have been lighted and they ought
to glow and cneircle the globe.
Again, gentlemen Of the conference
congratulations and the gratitude of
the United States. To Belgium, to
the British Empire. TO China, to
France, to Italy. to Japan, TO the
Netherlands and to Portugal--1 can
wish no moro than the same feeling
which we experience, Of honorable
and honored contribution to happy
human advancement. and new sense
of security in the righteous pursuits
Of peace and all attending good for
tune.
From our own delegates | have
known from time to time of your ac-
tlvities and of the spirit of concilia-
ton and of adjustment and the cheer
ing readiness Of all Of you to strive
for that unanimity so essential 10
accomplish shment. Without it there
would have been failure; with il you
have heartened the world
And | know our erfes*x win rsardon