The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-09-16

years, perhaps for a generation Or
more. Criticism of the action in this
matter is simply criticism of the only
possible action which could have Sc
cured the building Of the canal: as well
as the peace and quiet which we were.
by treaty, bound to preserve along the
line of transit across the Isthmus. The
service rendered this country in secur-
ing the perpetual right to construct,
maintain, operate and defend the canal
was SO great that our opponents do
not venture to raise the issue in
straightforward fashion: for IL so rails
ed there would be no issue. The decis-
i've action which brought about this
beneficent result was the exercise by
the. President of the powers vested in
him. and in him alone, by the Constitu-
ton; the power to recognize foreign
governments by entering into diplo-
matte relations with than, and the
power to make treaties which, when
ratified by the Senate become under
the Constitution pai Of the supreme
law of the land. Neither in this nor in
any other matter has there been the
slightest failure to live up to the Con-
stitution in letter and in spirit. But
the Constitution must be observed pos
itively as well as negatively. The
Presidents duty, is to serve the coun-
try in accordance with the Constitu-
ton; and / should be derelict in my
duty il 7 used a false construction of
the Constitution as a shield for weak
ness and timidity, or as an excuse for
governmental impotence.
OUR FOREIGN POLICY.
Similar Misrepresentation is the one
weapon of our opponents in regard to
our foreign policy. Here again all that
We ask Is that they truthfully state
that has been done. and then say
whether or not they object to it; for if
continued in power We shall continue
our foreign policy and DUR handling of
the navy on exactly the same lines IN
the future as in the past. To what
phase of our foreign policy, and to what
use of the navy do our opponents OBJ
ject? DO they object to the way in
which the Monroe Doctrine has been
strengthened and upheld? Never be-
fore has this doctrine been acquiesced
in abroad as it is now; and yet. while
upholding the rights of the weaker
American republics against foreign ag-
erosion, the Administration has lost
no opportunity to point out to these re-
pubics that those who seek equity
should come with clean hands, and
that whoever claims liberty as a right
must accept the responsibilities that
go with the exercise of the right. Do
our opponents object to what was done
in reference to the petition of American
citizens against the Kishenev massa-
ere? or to the protest against the
Jews in Roumania? or to the efforts
that have been made in behalf of the
Armenians in Turkey? No other adj
ministration in our history, no other
government in the world, has more
consistently stood for the broadest spir-
it Of brotherhood in our common hui
mainly. or has held a more resolute
attitude of protest against every wrong
that outraged the civilization of the
age, at home or abroad. Do our oppO-
nents object to the fact that the inter-
national tribunal at the Hague was
rescued from impotence, and turned
into a potent instrument for peace
among the nations? This Government
has used that tribunal. and advocated
its use by others, in of its
policy to promote the cause of inter-
national peace and good will by all
honorable methods. In carrying
outfthis policy, it has settled dispute
after dispute by arbitration or by
friendly agreement. 1t has
towards all nations, strong or weak,
with courtesy, dignity, and Justice; and
1t is now on excellent terms with all.
DO our opponents object to the set
tlement of the Alaska boundary line?
Do they object to the fact that after
freeing Cuba we gave her reciprocal
trade advantages with the United
States, while at the same time keeping
naval stations in the island and pro-
viding against it's sinking into chaos. or
being conquered by foreign power? Dc
they object to the fact that our flag
now flies over Porto Rico? Do they
object to acquisition Of Hawaii? Once
they hauled down. our flag there; We
have .hoisted it again; do they intend
once more to haul it down? Do they
object to the part we played in China?
na thn,- Hnnu- that tha Nrnioo Of tho
United States would now count for
nothing in the far cas- if we had aban-
doned the Philippines and refused to
do what was done in China? Do they
object to the fact that this government
secured a peaceful settlement OF the
troubles in Venezuela two years ago?
Do they object to the presence of the
ship-of-war off Colon when the revolu-
ton broke out in panama, and when
only the presence of this ship saved the
lives of American citizens, and pre-
vented insult to the flag? Do they OBJ
ject to the fact that American warshipS
appeared promptly at the port of Bel
rut when an effort had been made to
aSSaSSinate an American official and IN
the port Of Tangier hen an American
citizen had been abducted? and that in
each case the wrong complained of was
righted and eXpiated? And that within
the last few days the visit of an Amer
lean to Smyrna was 1OiloWed
by the long-deIayed concession of their
just rights to those Americans ION
cerned in educational work in Turkey?
Do they object to the trade treaty with
China. so full of advantage for the
American people in the future? Do
they object to the fact that ships car
rying the national flag now have d
higher standard than ever before in
Workmanship and in seamanship, as in
dividual units and as component parts
of squadrons and fleets? If they object
to all of these things, we join issue with
them. Our foreign policy has been not
only highly advantageous to the United
States, but hardly less advantageous
to the world as a whole. Peace and
good will ave followed in it's footsteps.
The Government has shown itself no
less anxious to respect the rights OF
others han insiStent that the rights
Of Americans be respected in return.
As for the navy. it has been and is now