Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 April 1919 — HIS PRESENCE PROVIDENTIAL [ARTICLE]

HIS PRESENCE PROVIDENTIAL

Says Bishop O’lkmnell in Speaking of Wilson at Peace Table. "The pope’s peace proposals, which would have saved the world incalculable loss in blood and treasure bad they been accepted, have in substance a relationship of close kindred to the propositions subsequently laid down by President Wilson, which victors and vanquished in the end agreed to accept as the basis of an armistice leading to peace,’’ says the Most Rev. Dr. O'Donnell. "More he would have gladly done had he not been despoiled of the influence in international affairs by which he could Investigate and Judge, arbitrate and settle the issues at stake between, the belligerents. “It was a grievous wrong that governments conspired in secret treaties to exclude the representatives of the pope from taking any steps having for their object the conclusion of peace or the settlement of the questions that must arise on the termination of hostilities. Such action should open the eyes of those who have been blaming the pope for not condemning flagrant outrages on public law during the war. “It is a blessing from Providence that is greatly enhanced by the fact that the American democracy, with its marvelous capacity to pick out good men for the headship of the states, -placed some years ago in the presidential chair a citizen who knows how to give admirable and fearless expression to the doctrine of right among nations. • * • “It was a new experience for grasping governments in the old world to be told by one whom they cannot afford to despise that weak nations and strong have equal rights, and that justice, good will and friendship are the fundamental bonds of peace.’’