The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-12
WOODROW WILSON SPEAKS


 Woodrow Wilson's message to the American people came opportunely on the eve of Armistice Day and very appropriately dealt with the subject of our record since that momentous event. Naturally, the man who did more than any other to mold world opinion during the last year of war and the first of peace speaks with consummate authority regarding our stewardship of peace which was the bequest- of his administration. It is not flattering, neither is it surprising, that he should be disappointed in our meager returns from such a magnifi- cent inheritance. We can show no progress in advancing the cause of perpetual peace, the prospect of which was our inspiration to expend our all, if necessary, to win the war.
 It is, of course, upon the Republi- can administration that MT. Wilson places the blame for our failure to play manly, courageous and wise part in bringing about the rehabili- tation of the world and the establish ment of sincere international policy of arbitration and disarmament. The trend of the incoming administration was fully apparent before MT. Will sons term expired, when the Republi- can senate defeated our hope of defi- nitely assuming our share of the re- sponsibility in restoring the world to normal It was not our money, as some seem to think, nor our army and navy, as asserted by others, that was to form the essential link between US and our quondam allies. It was rather the inspirational force of our united sentiment against armament and in favor of peace, and our disinterested but sincere diplomatic mediation in the disputes that touched all European na- tions very nearly, but which were re- mote from our history and national aspirations. The leading Republican senators lacked the vision necessary to raise them to the measure of their opportunity and the nations opportu- nity-therefore, we have failed.
 But it is not yet too late for us to redeem ourselves from our failure. As Woodrow Wilson declared on Satur- day night: Happily, the present situ- ation of affairs in the world affords us an opportunity to retrieve the past and to render to mankind the incom- parable service of proving that there is at least one great, powerful nation which can put aside programs of self interest and devote itself to practicing and establishing the highest ideals of disinterested service and the constant conscience and of right. The only way in which we can show our true appreciation of the significance of Armistice Day is by resolving to put self-interest away and once more for mulate and act upon the highest ideals and purposes of international policies. Thus, and only thus, can we return to the true traditions of America"
 It is especially unfortunate that the news of failure of our plan to mediate in the impasse between France and the other powers should be published first cn Armistice Day. But the fact that France has made no effort to meet us halfway only serves the emphasis how far we have receded from that pima cle of influence on which Woodrow Wilson stood during the formulation of the treaty of Versailles. For Frances attitude we have not France but our own mistaken policy to blame. Hughes and other leaders perceive our mistake and, in the face of opposition in their own party, have sought to retrieve it. But the group of irrec- oncilables afford an implacable obsta- cle to that effort.
 In this crisis the leaders of the Democratic party point the way with unfaltering finger and unalterable resolution. If the people of the United States desire leadership, it is within their power to have it. The presiden- tial campaign extends the opportunity to elect Democratic administration In that lies the nations hope of for. eign policy that will harmonize witf the spirit, tradition and ambition of the American people.
 FASHIONS EXTREME