Speech #650333827

I suggest the consideration of an outline of a league of nations proposed by Lord Parker in his speech in the House of Lords on the 19th of March. I do not believe that we are going to enter into a treaty of peace. to end this great war without an earnest effort. guided by all the wisdom and experience of preceding ages. to arrive at some agreement. some league or concert of nations. which shall exercise influence not only upon world public sentiment but in guiding nations to the pathway of peace and preventing a conflict of arms. I am not. of course. willing that this country. if we could do so. should turn over to any supergovernment control over our domestic policies. the development of our great natural resources. or our trade and commerce with other nations. questions of immigration. of customs duties. or the Monroe doctrine. We are fortunately situated.- We produce within our. domain not only our own needs but a surplus of all theprincipal raw materials going into the commerce of the world. With food supplies. iron. copper. oil. timber. cotton. and other products there are but few things for which we must depend upon the outside world.