The Daily Alaska empire., 1939-10-05
Peace by Revision
lCleveland Plain pealerl


 When the history of this ticksh period in Ameri- can history comes to be written, the appearance of Franklin D Roosevelt before Congress in special ses sion is likely to stand forth a major event.
 Whether Congress follows the Presidents recom- mendation in amending the neutrality law, or rejects his advice the address which embodies the recom- mendation is moderate statesmanlike and impressive The indications that the isolationist group un- moved by the Roosevelt plea, is organizing for long hard fight against the Presidents proposal
 The President goes straight to the point. He called this session for the purpose of having the em- bargo provision of the neutrality law eliminated He asks that this be done promptly and sees no reason for a long session
 Perhaps in answer to those members who believe Congress should remain the job, MT Roosevelt an- that he has asked Democratic and Republican leaders of House and Senate to remain in Washington between the end of this session and the beginning of the next. He proposes to consult them on foreign policy. He promises to call second special session if events shall seem to demand it.
 This is not likely to satisfy Administration members who have been saying that safety requires their continuous presence possible check execu tive action Anyway, it will probably be some weeks hence before the issue of embargo repeal to a final vote. So the question of adjournment is not immediately pressing
 What the President asks-and we believe he is right-is repeal of the embargo provisions of the present law "and return to international law"
 Answering those who may believe that such move will be likely to involve America in the war abroad MT Roosevelt assures the country that the government will clearly and definitely insist that American citi- zens and American ships keep away from the immedi- ate perils of the actual zones of conflict"
 Following the repeal, the President says, the Ad- mnStration proposes by legislation by proclamation to proceed toward four principal objectives First it will keep American ships out of waters; second it will restrain American citizens from travelling on belligerent vessels; third it will require buyers for belligerents take title here goods purchased fin ally, it will prevent credits to belugerents
 In the last two objectiyes' is found the cash and carry philosophy which has characterized so much of the recent argument neutrality.
 It is broad-gauged discussion of an issue vital to American safety which the President lays before Congress and the country. Concedng to his oppon- entS the sincerity which animates his own thinking, MT. Roosevelt argues stoutly that he analyses the situation, American and international this country is most likely to stay out of by bring ing the neutrality act into greater conformity with the principles of international law.
 The country, with all it's shades of opinion, will hope that Congress in the few weeks to will slider the question of immunity from war in the same broad minded spirit which animates the Presidents appeal for action It is time, indeed, to curb all rancor to forget petty eaouses and party and to direct oneself solely to the goal of American peace and American welfare The purpose of all being the same, the method of achieving it should be sought by the processes of cool, unimpassioned reason.
 The closing words of the President deserve to be remembered:
 Tn period when it is sometimes said that free discussion is longer compatible with national safety may you by your deeds show the world that of the United States are one people of mind one spirit one clear resolution walking before God in the light of the living"