Omaha daily bee., 1905-10-22
NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES.

1t is an unquestionable fact that a
very considerable number of the Amer
lean people do not fully appreciate the
greatness and power of their country.
They realize in general way that the
United States is a nation of vast re-
sources, that it occupies a prominent
place among the Industrial and COM
mercial countries of the earth, and that
it eXerts an important influence in world
affairs. They know that this republic
tional affairs and that its influence is
steadily growing. But in regard to the
duties and responsibilities which this
position imposes they have little if any
conception. They do not thoroughly
understand what is meant by world
power as applied to this country.
In his Richmond speech President
Roosevelt referred to this and pointed
out that as great people we must play
a great part in the world whether we
choose to do so or not The old school
conservatism, which believed in isola-
ton. and which still has adherents, will
doubtless deprecate this view, yet there
can be no doubt that it will commend
itself to the approval of the very great
majority of our people. The part this
country has been playing within recent
years in world affairs is most meritO-
rious. most honorable, and most bene-
fetal to mankind. 1t has made for inn
provement in international relations, for
a better understanding between govern
ments and for the advancement of the
cause OF amity and good will throughout
the world. Every action of our govern
ment during the past seven or eight
years has had reference to the establish
ment of better conditions for the preser-
walton of peace and the policy thus pur-
sued has had the most benehcent re-
suits, contributing very greatly to the
honor and glory of the country
This necessarily imposes obligations
and responsibilities which must be met.
We cannot, without sacrificing our place
in the respect of the world recede from
the position we have taken. AS was
said by Mr.. Roosevelt, we have to play
our part, and all we can decide is
whether we shall play it we'll or Ill.
"Our mission in the world should be
one of peace, but not the peace of
craven, the peace granted cOntemp-
tuously to those who purchase it by sur
/ rendering the right. Our voice must be
! effective for peace because it is raised
for righteousness first and for peace
only as the handmaiden of righteous,
ness. We must be scrupulOus in re,
speeding the rights of the weak and nc
less careful to make It evident that we
do not act through fear of the strong
We must be scrupulous in doing justice
to others and scrupulous in exacting
justice for ourselves" In this is out
lined a policy which all Americans car
unqualiiedly approve.
An important part Of the speech from
which the above quotation is taken re
lated to the position of the United States
toward countries In this hemisphere
The president said that Tin undertaking
to build the Panama canal we have
necessarily undertaken TO police tn,
seas at either end of II, and this meant
that we have a peculiar interest in tn,
preservation OF order in the coasts AMI
islands of the Caribbean" There cal
be no mistake as to the meaning o
this. II implies responsibility whicl
our government has never before as
sumed. but which has now become es
sential TO our security. We must in
sist upon peace and order within al
that region where we have enlarge,
interests and we shall be justified Il
using all just and proper means to sc
cure and maintain peace in that region
at the same time doing what we may I
improve the condition OF the people o
/ the neighboring Islands. Presiden
Roosevelt has clearly defined the Amer
lean position. so far as our interna