ABSTRACT
It has not been an easy decision to make, and it is not made easily or gaily or restlessly. It has come after as careful deliberation as human judgment could go through. It is a conclusion reached by the least jingo and most peaceful of American Presidents. Every encouragement has been extended to them because the American government was eager to be shown the possibility of peace. In December the President gave them an opportunity to say that they renounced conquest and cared for the organization of a stable international system. In all literalness civilization is hanging in the balance. The success of such a government with such a policy would make the twentieth century a period of profound reaction. The liberal peoples of the world are united in a common cause. To be sure they have much to do before their own houses are put in order, and democracy is by no means secure among those who proclaim it.
