This volume is comprised of a 48-page typescript of a speech that Henry Cabot Lodge delivered to the United States Senate on December 21, 1918, accompanied by a printed copy of the speech (1918). Henry Cabot Lodge wrote an inscription on the frontispiece: "Edward W. Doherty. With regards of Henry Cabot Lodge" (January 27, 1919). The typescript includes annotations in pencil. A drawing of Lodge by William Bengough (April 7, 1902) is laid into the volume.
Lodge's speech, later published under the title "The Coming Treaty of Peace," pertains to peace negotiations between the allied powers and Germany at the end of World War I. Lodge discussed the importance of Congressional involvement in treaty negotiations, expressed his opinions about proposed provisions, and shared his belief that the Allies should agree on terms themselves before meeting with German representatives. He first defended the necessity of harsh provisions against Germany, stressing the importance of preventing any future attempts at European conquest, and then encouraged the dissolution of Germany's colonial empire; the division and independence of several territories, particularly in Eastern Europe; and German payment of financial reparations.
Lodge also commented on aspects of international relations and the peace process, including the need to encourage a strong and stable Russia, United States justifications for entering the war, the proposed expansion of United States naval power, and the freedom of non-territorial seas. He also condemned the use of "secret diplomacy." The final part of Lodge's speech concerns the proposed League of Nations: he repeatedly attacked the vagueness of existing propositions and pointed out several logistical problems related to the arbitration of international disputes, the league's use and control of a country's sovereign troops, and other matters. He concluded his remarks by expressing his belief that the League of Nations was an unnecessary distraction to the more important task of securing peace.
Henry Cabot Lodge was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 12, 1850, the son of John Ellerton Lodge and Anna Cabot. After receiving a bachelor's degree (1871), law degree (1874), and Ph.D. (1876) from Harvard, he taught courses at his alma mater. He served as a Republican in the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1880-1881), the United States House of Representatives (1887-1893), and the United States Senate (1893-1924). During his time in the Senate, Lodge became recognized for his views on foreign affairs, particularly during the peace process following World War I. Lodge married Anna Davis in 1874, and they had three children. Henry Cabot Lodge died on November 9, 1924.
