the Allies, but I say that in a world-crisis the voices of
individuals cannot be heard unless they speak through the medium of their
nationality. The question from France is not "Will Americans never
come?" but "Will America never come?" When the war found the
Americanisation of our people unfinished, it became the duty of every
loyal man in the Republic to give his very life-blood to achieve
solidarity. Do you think we could not see that the Allies were fighting
our battle? It was impossible for this nation that had shouldered the
problems of the Old World not to see it; so we began the education of all
our people. We could have hurled this nation into war at almost any hour
by an appeal to national dignity, but our destiny was imperative in its
demands. Not in heat, which would be bound to cool; not in revenge,
which would soon be forgotten; but by philosophy and humanitarianism
alone could this great Republic go to war.

'Yet, when this Administration looked for help, what did it find? The
two races that come to this country and never help its Americanisation
are the Germans and the English. They remain true to their former
citizenship, and they die true to them. Gentlemen, that must not be
again. America will always be open to the world, but he who passes
within these gates to live must accept responsibilities as well as
privileges.

'I am almost finished. For two years and a half we have fought against
the disintegrating forces within our country. We have endured the sneers
of belligerents, the insults of Germany, and the tolerance of
Britain--and still we have fought on. Literally we were struggling, as
did our forefathers, for nationhood. But let me ask Mr. Watson if our
psychological unpreparedness was entirely our fault. When Britain allied
herself with Russia, did she give a thought to the effect it would have
on the American mind? To us, Russia was the last stronghold of barbaric
despotism, and yet Britain made that alliance, identifying herself with
the forces of reaction. I do not say that we would have entered into a
similar or any agreement with Britain, but there are alliances of the
spirit far more binding than the most solemn treaties. I accuse Britain
of failing to make the advances toward a spiritual covenant with the
United States, in which lay--and still lies--the hope of this world.'

A messenger had entered the room and handed a note to the chairman. It
was passed along to Va