Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-12-05


available in at least a considerable
number of instances. Very much can
be done through another Hague con-
ference in this direction, and | most
earnestly urge that this nation do all
in its power 70 try TO further the move
ment and to make the result of the de-
cisions of The Hague conference effec-
tive. / earnestly hope that the confer
ence may be able to devise some way
to make arbitration betxeen nations
the customary way OF settling interna-
tional disputes in all save a few classes
of cases, which should themselves he
as sharply defined and rigidly limited
as the present governmental and social
development of the world will permit.
If possible there should be n general
arbitration treaty negotiated among all
the nations represented ut the confer
ence. Neutral rights and property
should he protected at sea as they are
protected on land. There should be an
international agreement to this pur-
pose and q similar agreement defining
contraband Of war.
During the last century there has
been distinct diminution in the num-
Der OF wars between the most civilized
nations. International relations have
become closer. and the development of
The Hague tribunal is not only Symp-
tom of this growing closeness of rela-
tionship. but is 4 means by which the
growth can be furthered. Our aim
should be from time TO time 10 take
such steps as may be possible toward
creating something like an organization
OF the civilized nations. because as the
world becomes more highly organized
the need for navies and armies will di-
miniSh. 1t is not possible TO secure
anything like an immediate disarma-
meut. because it would first be neces-
sary 10 settle what peoples are on the
whole n menace to the rest of mankind
and to provide against the dsarma-
ment of the rest being turned into Il
movement which would really chiefly
benefit these obnoxious peoples: but it
may be possible to exercise some check
upon the tendency to swell indefinitely
the budgets for military expenditure.
OF course such an effort could succeed
only if il did not attempt TO do too
much and if it were undertaken in a
spirit of sanity as far removed as pos
sible from Il merely hysterical pseudo
philanthropy. 1t is worth while point
ing out that si-lce the end OF the insur-
rection in the Philippines this nation
has shown its practical faith in the
policy of disarmament by reducing its
little army one-third. But disarma-
ment can never be of prime impor-
lance. There is more need to get rid of
the causes of war than of the imple-
ments of war.
l have dwelt much on the dangers to
be avoided by steering clear of any
mere foolish Sentimentality because
my wish for peace is so genuine and
earnest; because | have n real and
great desire that this second Hague
conference may mark long stride for
ward in the direction of securing the
peace of justice throughout the world.
No object is better worthy the atten-
ton of enlightened craftsmanship than
the establishment of a surcr method
than now exists of securing justice as
between nations both for the protection
of the little nations and for the proven
ton of war between the big nations.
To this aim we should endeayor not
only TO avert bloodshed, but, above all,
effectively to strengthen the forces of
right. The golden rule should be. and
as the world grows in morality 1T will
be, the guiding rule of conduct among
nations as among individuals, though
the golden rule must not be construed
in fantastic manner. as forbiddIng the
exercise of the police power. This
mighty and free republic should ever
deal with all other states, great or
small. on a basis of high honor, re-
speeding their rights as jealousy as it
safeguards its own.
Monroe Doctrine.
One of the most effective instru-
ments for peace is the Monroe doctrine
as 1t has been and is being gradually
developed by this nation and accepted
by other nations. No other policy could
have been as efficient in promoting
peace in the western hemisphere and
chance TO develop along It's own lines |
If we had refused to apply the doctrine
10 changing conditions it would now |
be completely outworn, would not meet |
any Of the needs of the present day |
ana indeed would probably 10y this time |
have sunk into complete oblivion. 1t |
Is useful az home and is meeting with |
recognition abroad because we have |
adapted our application OF it to meet |
the growing and changing needs OF /
the hemisphere. When we announce a /
policy, such as the Monroe doctrine, we |
thereby commit ourselves TO the conse-
quenceS OF the policy, and those conse-
quences from time TO time alter. Ii |
is out Of the question to claim a right |
and yet shirk the responsibility for its
exercise. Not only we, but all Ameri-
can republics who are benefited by the
existence OF the doctrine, must recog
uize the obligations each nation is IN
der as regards foreign peoples no less
than its duty to insist upon it's own
rights.
That our rights and interests are