The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-04-15
Central and South America been so

""'PNioh WHicIi, OWING 10 our OOlnl-
nant and at times domineering pow
er, had darkened and chilled our
relations with the people of Latin
America had at last been lifted.
This great position and this COM
manding influence have been largely
lost. i am not in the councils Of the
president Of the United States, but
believe that during the past year the
present position OF the United States
in its foreign relations has become
very apparent to him, as it has to
other responsible and rejecting men,
and with this appreciation OF our
present position has come the
earnest wish to retrace some OF our
steps at least, and to regain, so far as
possible. the high plane which we
formerly occupied. 1t would be an
obvious impropriety to point out the
specific conditions Of our present rela-
tions with the various nations, both in
the old World and the New; it is
enough to note the fact that we are
regarded by other nations with dis
trust and in some cases with dislike
Rightly or wrongly, they have come to
believe that we are not to be trusted: !:
that we make our international rela-
tions the sport Of politics and treat
them as IL they were in no wise diff
ferent from questions OF domestic leg
islation. This has not been in accord
with our history or our position. Only
onco have we abrogated n treaty. and
then actual IL not declared war exist
cd. We have scrupulously observed
our international agreements, and
where differences have arisen we have
settled them not with the high hand
OF power. but by negotiation and arbi-
tration.
Il suppose that at this moment in
the midst OF the adroitly stimulated
passions raised against the presidents 81
recommendation that we should re-
peal the toll exemption 1t will be
thought very poor spirited and even
truckling-I believe that Is the ac-
cepted word--tO suggest that in de-
Gliding this question we should take in-
to consideration the opinion of other
nations. Nevertheless consider this
very important element in any de-
cision which ! may reach, and I am
encouraged to believe that am right
In 80 thinking, because have the
warrant and authority OF the author
OF the Declaration OF independence.
When Jefferson framed that great in
strument he declared that the impel-
ling reason for making the Declara-
tion was a decent respect to the opin-
ions OF mankind
THE long delay i'm the ratification
by the senate of the treaties renewing
the arbitration treaties OF 1908 pro-
duced widespread feeling among
other nations that our championship
Of the principle OF arbitration and our
loud boasts OF our devotion TO the
cause Of peace were the merest
Hypocrisy. because we seemed ready
to abandon the cause of arbitration
when IL looked as If our treaties might
bring us to the arbitration of ques-
tions which we did not desire to have
decided by an impartial tribune. The
president renewed the arbitration
treaties, and finally. after q delay
which, as i have said, aroused un-
pleasant suspicious those which have
been sent to the senate have been
ratified.
This was the presidents first step,
as / looked at ii. in his effort to re-
store the influence and reputation Of
the United States. which he had
found to be impaired. The second
step Is his recommendation of the re-
peal OF tho toll exemption clause Of
the Canal Act.
THE outcry about exhibiting sub
servicncy to Great Britain or any 9TH
er country because we see fit to repeal
tho tolls seems to me hardly worthy
OF serious consideration. The United
States is altogether too great and too
powerful to be subservient to any one,
and tho mere fact OF suggesting it
seems TO me TO indicate an uneasy
suspicion on the part OF those from
whom il emanates not only Of the
of their position but of the
power and greatness of their own
country. as to which i. for one, am
troubled by no doubts.
AS / have listened to some recent
stirring declarations OF our utter fear
lessncss. Of our readiness to face q
world in arms, In defence Of toll cX-