“It is up to this generation, the incoming generation of the present time and the outgoing one, to choose the methods of securing peace and rid the world of war,” said Miss Jane Addams in her address, “Recent Movements Toward World Peace” last night in the University Auditorium.
Miss Addams urged every citizen to write his opinion to his senator as to whether the United States shall become a member of the League of Nations when that question comes before Congress again next month.
“The modern peace movement is really about three hundred years old,” she said, “but only in the last half a century has there been an organized effort toward making the movement a reality.
“Before the World War we used to say there were three movements toward peace that corresponded roughly to the three divisions of the United States government. The Interparliamentary Union where representatives from the parliaments of different nations met to discuss problems would be compared to the legislative department. The Hague Court of Arbitration and Conciliation was the judicial branch, and the Interpostal Union was the executive branch.
League Paves the Way.
“After the war the League of Nations, which carried out the dreams that men had had for many years was formed. The three parts of this league, the assembly, the council, and the secretariat that is maintained at Geneva to carry out the decisions of the council, form an organization that will not only settle disputes but will pave the way for new things to be started.”
Miss Addams spoke of the movement now taking place that will outlaw war. Mr. [Levinson] of Chicago has worked out a plan whereby war will be made illegal, and nations may come together and legislate war out. This would mean a gradual giving up of armies and keeping only a police force, she said.
“This is the American way,” said Miss Addams, “to cut a thing out at once.
“In December, it will be proposed in Congress that the United States become a member of the World Court if at the end of five years war is outlawed.
“A lack of cordiality toward the United States is felt when one travels about the world because it is felt that the United States has shown a lack of sportsmanship in not entering the league.”
That the internal politics of a country should not dictate its foreign policy was the statement made to Miss Addams when she sought to explain the situation.
Peace Movement Growing.
More and more throughout the world there is an effort toward peace, Miss Addams said, and a new vigor to avert war is found. The whole race is making an effort to lessen war, and the countries most strongly affected by the last war are the most vigorous in the peace movement.
“America in her supremacy must say her prayers about it more and not remain indifferent to the situation,” Miss Addams concluded.
Miss Addams was introduced by Miss Ella V. Dobbs. A musical program was given by Miss Bertha Thomas, who played “Etude” by Chopin; the Christian College Sextet which sang three numbers; and Miss Elizabeth Sutherland who played a piano solo.
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