Dixerunt

Two great men spoke on the same occasion. Their sentiments were as different as their manners of expression. One has held what the other holds--an exalted post. One is an " out," the other an " in"; one a Democrat, the other a Republican; one a professor, the other a lawyer; one an ex-President, the other a President; one Woodrow Wilson, the other Calvin Coolidge. Perhaps it was natural that they should differ.

The manner of their difference is best expressed by the following comparisons of their words:

Of Armistice Day.

Mr. Coolidge: 'Nov. 11 will be the fifth anniversary of the signing of the armistice which ended the World War. The nations have not yet recovered from that great catastrophe, nor will they recover for some time to come. But a great deal of progress has been made in that direction. Most of the millions of soldiers have been returned into their civilian occupations, and commerce and industry are tending toward their pre-War conditions. The lapse of time has mellowed the resentments which arose out of the War and has healed many of" the wounds that such a struggle was bound to. make."

Mr. Wilson: " The anniversary of Armistice Day should stir us to great exaltation of spirit because of the proud recollection that it was our day, a day above those early days of that never-to-be-forgotten November which lifted the world to the high levels of vision and achievement upon which the great War for democracy and right was fought and won; although the stimulating memories of that happy time of triumph are forever marred and embittered for us by the shameful fact that when the victory was won--won, be it remembered, chiefly by the indomitable spirit and ungrudging sacrifices of our own incomparable soldiers--we turned our backs upon our associates and refused to bear any responsible part in the administration of peace, or the firm and permanent establishment of the results of the War--won at so terrible a cost of life and treasure--and withdrew into a sullen and selfish isolation which is deeply ignoble because manifestly cowardly and dishonorable."

Of the present:

Mr, Coolidge: " It is greatly to be hoped that we are on the threshold of a new era. The Washington conference, resulting in the first practical limitation of armaments among the nations of the earth, did much to promote peace and goodwill. In our own country rigid economy has brought our expenditures within our income and brought about a reduction in War debts."

Mr. Wilson: " Every anxious year that has followed has made the exceeding need for such services as we might have rendered more and more evident and more and more pressing, as demoralizing circumstances which we might have controlled have gone from bad to worse. And now, as if to furnish a sort of sinister climax, France and Italy between them have made waste paper of the Treaty of Versailles and the whole field of international relationship is in perilous confusion."

Of a program.

Mr. Coolidge: " Our country will . . . renew its resolve to continue to meet its obligations to those who suffered injury from their service. But for their action, so patriotically performed, Armistice Day would have had quite another meaning for us and for the world."

Mr. Wilson: "The affairs of the world can be set straight only by the firmest and most determined exhibition of the will to lead and make the right prevail."

Of the future.

Mr. Coolidge: "It is well, also, to recall just what the day meant. It meant the end of a war. It ought to mean the permanent return of a peace which can only be established through good-will and only enjoyed in security when it rests on justice. If there is to be peace on earth, it will be because between nations there is justice on earth."

Mr. Wilson: " The only way in which we can worthily give proof of our appreciation of the high significance of Armistice Day is by resolving to put self-interest away and once more formulate and act upon the highest ideals and purposes of international policy. Thus, and only thus, can we return to the true traditions of America."