The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-06-19
America and Peace.

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The prospect for peace grows
brighter every day. Occasionally a
cloud will darken the view. but it
soon passes away, and the light is now
surely dawning in the Orient. Yes
terday there were two clouds upon
the horizon-Russia's hesitation and
Germany's precipitation. If they had
met, the world would have been
wrecked In cyclone of war such as
1t has never known: they have blown
away, and the atmosphere is clearer
and more wholesome.
The attitude Of the United States
Is as honorable and praiseworthy in
the peace proposals as it has been
correct throughout the conflict. AS
nation we have preserved an abso-
lutte neutrality and aloofness from
the comhatants, while maintaining
cordial friendship with both of the
warning powers At the same time
we have. as individuals, asserted our
private rights to crfticise one power
and extend our admiration and SYM
pathy to the other. Undoubtedly the
majority of the thinking people
only of the United States, but Of the
world-admire the good qualities Of
the Japanese and despise and abhor
the corruption and Incompetence Of
the Russian bureaucracy. But this
feeling Is mingled with sympathy for
the people Of Russia and an earnest
hope that the successes of Japan will
not only curb Russian-and European
aggression upon the East, but serve
also to make freedom and enHghten-
ment possible in Russia herself.
America is for peace throughout the
world; she is also for freedom and
enlightenment. Our very existence
as nation is a beacon light to other
peoples. We can only recognize the
governments that exist, for, as a gem
erai rule. peoples have just. that de-
gree OF freedom to which they are
entitled; but as individuals we hope
tor the deliverance OF the race from
its war lords and hereditary despots.
To US 1t is matter of reasonable
pride: that while we have not checked
or concealed our Individual opinions,
as a nation we have observed scrupu-
lousy the rules Of the international
game; and that our President by his
f,rdn
ment in the proposal of peace. To
the President, and to the American
people, however, the main thing is
that peace be brought about; not that
should have more or less glory in it's
Inauguration.
There is great confusion Of mind.
not only among our own people, but
throughout the world, concerning the
object in view in our retention Of the
Philippine islands. The matter, how
ever. ought to be reasonably plain.
America stands for the open door IN
the Orient; for the square deal, the
even chance. and the absence of ia
yoritism as among the nations in that
quarter OF the globe; we have watched
the aggression of Russia upon China
and Korea for many decades, and we
knew that If Russia, or Germany,
ever succeeded in consolidating that
vast body the world would be over
whelmed by brute force and set back
into the dark ages.
So long as we have extraterritorial
commerce, just SO long will we need
navy, and as long as we have a
navy we must have naval bases and
coaling stations. The United States
does not need the Philippines for pur-
poses of exploitation or colonization,
nor will 1t ever use them primarily
for such purposes. Its position as an
exporting nation demands their re-
tention as naval base in the Far
East, and the mere theories of our
dcetrinaires can never overcome the
necessities OF our commercial condi-
ton. We must retain those islands,
and retaining them we must give
them the best government possible
under the circumstances. When the
time comes that the nations can dis
arm, then 1t will be possible for the
United States to relinquish It's, hold
upon the Philippine islands Our
present position there makes for
peace, and our thorough preparation
for war will deter other and more
aggressive nations from pushing their
ideas OF world power too far.