New-York tribune., 1895-12-22
MISTAKEN LEADERSHIP.
BISHOP POTTER ON THE PRESIDENTS
VENEZUELAN MESSAGE.
THE DUTY OF CHRISTIAN NATION TO CULT
vATE THE GRAcEs OF PATIENCE AND
sELF-REsTRAINT.


vATE THE GRAcEs OF PATIENCE AND
sErF-REsTRAINT
Bishop Potter. when asked yesterday at his
home, No. 10 Washington Square North. about
the Venezuelan situation said to Tribune re-
porter:
THE world. during this last week, has been
treated to a very impressive illustration Of the
difference between politics and statesmanship.
Two nations on another continent have differ
about boundary line. The stronger OF the
two is allied to us by race and lineage; the
weaker is a survival OF civilization which once
threatened the liberties OF the Anglo-saxon
world. One OF them claims TO have case but
tressed by ample evidence and capable Of proof
by historic documents OF indisputable authority;
the other has, thus far. mainly conteDted itse1
with large claims and vague statements.
"At this point third nation. which Is or
which claims to be- more powerful than either.
intervenes. not to ask, as 1t might properly do.
as the champion Of the weaker nation, that the
proofs Of the claims of the stronger be given to
the world, but that the whole question shall
be submitted to the decision OF commission
appointed by itself-it being distinctly and ex-
plicitly hostile to the claims Of one OF the TWO
parties at issue and therefore disqualified from
acting impartially-with the threat behind Its
demand Of war
This is not craftsmanship. Statesmanship
means, among other Things. knowledge, fore-
sight deliberaton, the habit Of cool judgment
and in Its highest aspect, the instinct OF equity.
No one Of these would seem TO have been present
in the spectacle to which lately we nave peeh
treated. A doctrine Ghe Monroe) has been IN
voked which eminent publiclsts assure US mas
only the most remote and indirect bearing upon
the question at issue method OF settlement
has been proposed which. II 1t had been proposeu
to ourselves, would have been laughed OUT o,
court with the most undsguised contempt ano
an alternative has been threatened, II not IN
voked. whose tremendous consequences are treat
ed almost lightly as II tney were thoee VI Z"
THE ministers Of the Prince Of Peace may
well remember those consequences supremel!
this moment, when Christendom pauses VIII
listening ear to catch the first strains OF lha'
angelic hymn which. on the morning OF inc
birthday Of the Saviour Of the world, sang ABOVE
the manger of the Babe of Bethlehem, glory %
God In the highest, and on eartn peace, Soou"H
to men 80
'If as the Apostle St. Peter reminds US. the
dumb ass speaking with mans voice. forbade
the madness Of a man VINO claimed to be
prophet then the humblest messenger Of Jesus
Christ may not refuse to lift up his voice against
a recklessness OF precipitancy, and passion
for the display Of pinchbeck patriotism which
are alike unworthy of the name or American
and Christian War is relic of barbarism at
It's best estate. When prosecuted for the highest
and holiest ends there still follow immeasurable
evils in its train. of which. in this land. We are
feeling the grave and deterorating effects
though II Is more than a third Of century
since they were set In operation. Even Hebrew
bondsman can set us an example with his swift
cry 'Sirs ye are brethren. why do ye this thing?
In such emergency as this.
MAY no lust Of conquest. no base passion In
flaming us TO humate a powerful rival. no
blind following Of demagogues eager TO pander
to the worst. eager not to appeal to the best
In their fellow-men: and, above all, tolerance
of leadership crazed with the love Of place
and eager to outwit political adversary, per-
suade us TO forget our duty as a Christian Ma
ton to cultivate the graces of patience. forbear-
ance and a lofty eif-restraint-which the
best graces Of strong men-and to study the
things that make for peace.