Page:Bohemia's claim to independence.djvu/10

 a special Imperial commission to govern Bohemia. This act was illegal and unconstitutional. The destruction of Bohemian independence after the battle of White Mountain was an equally illegal act, and the Bohemians never ecquiesced in it. It appears therefore that in demanding independence Bohemians can base their demands not only upon the right of any nation to self-government, but also upon laws and constitutions which have never been repealed or abrogated with the consent of the Bohemian people.

It is the devout desire of all rightminded men that the present terrible European conflagration be followed by a permanent and durable peace. But the peace following this war cannot be durable and cannot be permanent if ancient injustices are perpetuated. It is in the interest of all neutral powers that the last vestige of injustice be removed in the future peace conference. In adopting a resolution demanding the discussion by neutral powers of liberation of oppressed nationalities, the congress of the United States can place itself not only upon the high moral ground of justice and righteousness, but also can do so as a matter of enlightened American self-interest.

One of the main causes of the present war was the mal-adjustment of Balkan affairs, and the failure to solve the Balkan national question.