Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-10-31
TIE BALLOT FOR THE BILLET.

THE BALLOT FOR TBE5 BULLET.
The s-scess achieved by the United
States Of America in self-government
has been and is today an inspiration
to the world.
If this country fails in what is re-
ferred to even yet, notwithstanding
its 137 years of national existence, as
an experiment in democracy, the mon
archical form Of government would be-
come the worlds standard
The United States success is every
where an inspiration TO democratic |
thought. Here is the training school /
Of democracy; here its highest exem-
plification.
II there had been no democracy on |
the North American continent there
would be none on the South American |
continent. 1t is because our fore
fathers affirmed successfully the right
of people to govern themselves after
the manner Of their own choosing
that there are in Central and South
America countries republics at least
! in name.
4 The failure of the democratic ideal
/ anywhere on this or the continent to
/ the south of us is a failure Of our
prestige and our example as a govern
ment.
The closer relations between these
countries and our own, expressed in
the Monroe doctrine, make II pecul-
iarly our duty to assist them in secur-
ing peace and order. for the sake of
the democratic ideal. and so for their
sake
Great Britain acknowledges no obli-
cation 10 serve democracy. II is I'M
der no such duty to the countries COM
ing within the Monroe doctrine as is
the United States. That it's policy as
respects these governments should be
different from our own is not TO be
wondered at Its interest is purely
selfish, ours idealistic.
II democracy in the countries under
the Monroe doctrine is TO be success
full. the people of these countries must
be impressed with the need of substi-
tuting the ballot for the bullet.
To sink home into the consciousness
Of the people Of Mexico this fact is the
moving motive OF President Wilson's
policy in relation to Mexico. And not
only to Mexico. but to Nicaragua,
Santo Domingo and the other states.
They must be taught TO respect au-
thority. and the authority must be
worthy OF respect and to be that it.
r must be constitutional.
p To this end the Washington admin
: istration refuses recognition in Mex
= leo 10 the Huerta government based
4 not in constitutional authority. but in
e murder.
+ And to the same end It warns Santo
= DOMINICAN revolutionists, who have re-
= sorted to arms, that it will not. even
I II they be successful, recognize the
4 government they shall set up, and il
e Is using It's power 10 maintain the
[ constitutional government
s The process Of educating the Latin
= people on this continent TO accept
gracefully and resignedly the verdict
e accept II. must occupy many years
:. But there never was a time OF greater
& need nor time more propitious for the
advancement OF the democratic idea
d and the promotion of peace and order
d than now.
]. When therefore, reference Is made
{, to President Wilson's policy in Mexico
$ as sentimental and idealistic. it will b,
y understood that his ideal is democrac,
Is and his sentimental consideration To-
y peace and order.
d Should he fail to uphold and to seel
d to advance the democratic ideal as
suredly no foreign power adhering ye
A. 70 tke monarchical idea, and II not L
II that then 10 the imperialistic idea
G would do so.
n The one certain means OF securin
70 tranquility and peace in the oountrie
to the south of us is 70 make thei
constitutions living. vital things an
10 maintain constitutional authority.
n This country might indeed do a
lv many would have il do. use militaF
5. force to maintain constitutional go
w eminent where Il Is set up. but rhi
II would involve the United States
he war and in imperialism and create
at constant drain upon our people in tai
ell alton. to say nothing OF the cost {
n, human lives.
en- For proper understanding Of VIA
N President Wilson is seeking to aeon
he plish these things must be understoo'
us Otherwise his policy must appear
er be shifty and temporizing whereas, q
re made evident. it is steadfastly in sc
vice Of ideals which have made gre'
re this government and wherever apple
C. have iiFted ~ the oppressed 20 Il
n plane Of peace and actual liberty.