AMERICAN PRESIDENCY.

North Otago Times, Volume CIV, Issue 13664, 5 September 1916, Page 4

AMERICAN PRESIDENCY.

DR WOODROW WILSON'S CANDIDATURE, DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM. (Per Cable—l'ross ilssoclulloii—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cubic Association.) WASHINGTON. September 2. Dr Woodrow Wilson has accepted the Democratic nomination for the Presidency. In a statement enunciating the policy of the Democratic party, Dr Wilson said: "We have been neutrals because it is the lixed traditional policy of the United States to stand aloof from the politics of Europe, and because we have no part in the influences which brought about the war. It is our duty to prevent,, if possible, the indefinite extension of the desolation kindled by the terrible conflict and reserve our strength and resources for the anxious and difficult days of restoration which must follow. 'When the rights of our citizens become involved this is our guiding principle: That property rights can be -vindicated by claims for damages when the war is over; but the fundamental rights of humanity ciianot, for loss of life is irreparable. Neither can the direct violation of a nation's sovereignty await vindication by auitn for damages, and the nation that- violates these essential rights must expect to be checked and called to account by direct challenge and resistance,"

Referring lo Hie .settlement of the ivnr. Dr Wilson said: "There must be a just find settled peace, and we, here in America must contribute the full force uf our authority as a nation to the organisation of that peace upon worldwide foundations that cannot easily be shaken. No nation should be forced to take sides in any quarrel in which its honour ami integrity or the fortunes of its people'are not involved, but no nation can any longer remain neutral against «»y wilful disturbance of the peace of the world. The nations of the world must unite in joint guarantees and whatever is done to disturb the whole world's life must lirst be tested in a court of the whole world's opinion before it is attempted."