Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 August 1919 — SENATE AND PEACE MAKING [ARTICLE]

SENATE AND PEACE MAKING

The Indianapolis News (Republican) places the responsibility for the delay in the peace pact directly where it belongs—on the United States senate, with its bunch of Republican obstructionists of the Lodge, Borah et al type. The News says: It is a curious thing that those •who criticised the president for assuming to exercise powers that did | not belong to him should now ask that he by mere executive proclamation declare that, as far as the United States is concerned, the greatest war of history is over. As the war-making power is with congress, congress surely has some duty in connection with the making of peace. On the conclusion of other wars we have Indeed had a partial peace prior to the treaty •agreement. There have been preliminary treaties, and protocols under which peaceful relations were partly established. But even in these cases real and legal peace did not come till the final act. This war is very different from others in which we have been engaged, since it is the only one except that of the revolution which we have fought in alliance or association with other nations. The interests involved are many and complicated, and relations as they existed before the war can hardly be re-established until they are defined in a general treaty. The president, therefore, would assume u very grave responsibility in assuming to declare that 'peace existed both as a matter of law and fact. Nor should this country make peace separately. We are under obligations to the nations with which we are associated in the war. Peace Is, as was war, a joint matter. We fought in a common cause, and that common cause is yet to be secured. The way to peace lies through prompt action on the treaty. When that is agreed to, and the other nations express their satisfaction with the form of ratification, it will be the duty of the president to declare that the treaty is in force, and that peace exists. The responsibility now rests on the senate. Thai it will act wisely, patriotically, and with promptness, is the hope of all.