Wilson’s prize was awarded in ’20, with Bourgeois,’
The League of Nation’s President, an equipoise.
Bourgeois had stopped a coup d’etat in France
As Paris’ Chief of Police. He later advanced
To Secretary of State. He brought about social reforms
From within, embracing human rights norms:
A minimum wage, education, unemployment,
Sick, accident and retirement benefits implemented.
At the Hague, he argued compulsory arbitration
Be used in disputes posing threats to Peace, and went
To Versailles. He watched Wilson propose the League,
But thought the concept needed power, was too weak to succeed.
He embraced France’s Freedom, Equality, Fraternity,
And felt France had upheld these values, but not Germany.
June Edvenson 