The times., 1900-12-30
The United States
as a World Power
BY SPENCER TRAsK.

What reforms should the new century
bring?" is a question SO comprehensive
that one hesitates as his mind endeavors
to grasp what might result in benefit to
mankind. If what should be done, could be
done. Not only. are we entering upoh
new century, but as people we are en-
tering upon a new phase OF national ex-
istence Until within the last few years
We have been an almost isolated communi-
ty. Occupied in the development of our
own vast resources. absorbed in our own
political and social life, the strikes, up
heavals and changes in other nations have
rot affected US. except incidentally, or as
they may have contributed to our growth.
Suddenly we find ourselves world power
We are called to take part in the council
of the nations; the destiny Of older civil
ization and people may depend upon our
voice and influence.
What position are-we to assume in view
Of these greater responsibilities? From
being debtor, ~ have become more or
less creditor nation From an import
ing nation. we have become an exporting
one. For the four years ending June go,
1900 our exports have exceeded cur i'm
ports by over two thousand million dol
lars. These results have been attained in
spite of many Of stac1es and false theories.
The currency question, involving also the
permanency of the gold standard, has
been a disturbing factor for many years.
The recent election is now generally be-
lieyed to have settled the currency ques-
tion for all time.
For years protection and free trade
have been the principal issues between
the two great parties struggling for the
possession OF the Government The last
two elections have been won hy the Re-
publican party not on the issue of protec-
tion. but in spite of it, since many free
traders voted with it, believing for the
moment the financial question the more
important. 1t is gradually dawning upon
the minds OF the most bigoted that we
cannot become a world power, adopt the
worlds gold standard. and seek its trade,
force its markets and advocate "the open
door" and at the same time hold the
theory of protection-which is isolation
something worse than a Chinese wall Of
exclusion.
Never in the history of the world has
the future given more inspiring and
promising call to a nation to go forth and
supply the wants and needs of the whole
world than is now given TO US. We have
within our borders more of the requisites
than any other couHtry-vast deposits of
mineral ores, unbounded stretches of fer
tile fields. intelligent workmen, men of
inventive genius and executive ability.
boundless wealth, courage, enthusiasm.
1t requires no great stretch of the i'm
agination to see our country, with a re-
vival of shipbuilding, such as has been
gradually going on in the past few years.
regaining its former position as carrier
as well as producer of the worlds pro-
ducts-and this without any assistance of
a Ship Subsidy bill. Before the coming
century has half run its course, New York
will be the financial centre of the world
as London now is, and our ships should
cover the seas What is to prevent US
making the world our own? 1t is not to
be won by destructive war, relic of bar
barism, and of heartlessness-but by
bringing to them the products of peaceful
labor, enriching their lives, ennobling
their minds. educating and elevating
mans higher nature. This as a nation we
can do II we live up to our higher ideals,
and seek to be worthy of the great in
heritance that has come to US from our
fathers.