New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-12-04
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

The Presidents Message sanely en-
phasizes the immense Importance Of our
foreign relations, not because Of any
grandiose exaggeration Of the world
power" principle or any desire to play
the part Of an international busybody,
but for the sake Of our own national
and domestic welfare. On that account,
as Mr.. Taft well says, our fundamental
foreign policies should be raised above
partisan conflict and wholly ASSOCIATED
from differences in domestic policy.
That Is an ideal which the President
has conspicuously striven to maintain,
but from the neglect or reDudii ton Of
which by others his administration has
been made to suffer. 1t was in pursu-
ance Of that principle that the Presi-
dent placed so large a part Of the for
eign service Of this country upon the
enlightened, efficient and stable basis
Of the merit system, bis modest report
of that achievement being an inspiring
chapter In our governmental history;
and It was for the further promotion Of
efficiency that he reorganized the State
Department from IAN archaic and in
adequate machine" into competent
modern business establishment.
With this practical conception Of our
foreign relations in mind, 1t is not sur
prising to find the President welcom-
ing, instead Of disclaiming, the imputa-
ton of dollar diplomacy" The sub
stitution of dollars for bullets in our
dealings with other lands has indeed
had happy results. Our foreign trade,
now the second largest in the world.
has doubled in value in thirteen years,
while that Of the world at large has
required twenty-five years for an equal
increase. But Mr.. Taft reminds the
country that dollar diplomacy" does
not mean mere materialism. 1t has
preserved and strengthened the bonds
of good fellowship between this and all
other nations, promoted peace among
disturbed neighbors, given new life to
the policy Of the open door In China,
kept our course true in respect Of the
highly embarrassing situations which
have been successfully presented on our
Mexican frontier, and, had 1t not been
perversely thwarted through domestic
faction, would have averted occurrences
In Nicaragua which were a reproach to
humanity. 1t needs nothing more than
the Presidents plain tale Of things
done to confirm his estimate that this
diplomatic policy '1s one that appeals
"alike to idealistic humanitarian senti.
"ments, to the dictates Of sound policy
land strategy and to legitimate COM
''mercial aims"
IT Is indeed statesmanlike transmu-
tation Of the more often quoted than
appreciated peace, commerce and hon.
"est friendship with all nations-en-
"tangltng alliances with none," from the
dry letter OF party doctrine into a
vital and vitalizing factor Of national
life. 1t is fulflment of what Mr..
Taft rightly conceives to be one of the
great tasks Of present diplomacy, to ad-
just to to-day's conditions the flnda-
mental principles which were laid down
early In the nations history. and thus
to establish bases upon which any SUI
perstructure which may be developed
through the destined growth and prog
ress Of the nation can securely rest.
His conspectus Of our foreign relations
is at once source Of pride and a spur
to ambition. 1t suggests prudence to
conserve and enterprise to extend the
vital interests Of America as a nation
among the nations Of the world.