Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1914-07-27
DIPLOMACY Wins
Behind GUNS IS
DANIELS WORD
IBy Latest MALL

NEWPORT, r. How the nations
foreign policy often hangs on the ac-
ton and discretion OF a naval officer
commanding a war ship in far away
port was discussed by Secretary DAN
iels here at the opening of the Naval
War College. He pictured the duties
Of the naval officer in the role OF dip
lomat, recalled the incidents in which
commanders of American war ships
in foreign ports had opened new
chapters in American history. and
urged officers at the college and ma
rine officers to train themselves in
international law and the languages
in preparation for such emergencies.
If he re uniformed as to the re-
Uuiremcnts of international law, what
consequences Of evil may flow from
his ignorance? If he lack tact and
sense of courtesy. how he may block
the path of his country to serve the
people to whom he is sent and pre-
vent the ops ming of doors through
which his cOuntrymen might enter to
promote commerce and forge ties of
friendIness and amity?"
Bryan'S Confidence
There has been no secretary of
state. Daniels said, who had awaited
himself more of the service of the
naval officer as diplomat. who has
shown greater confidence in his abil-
ity, his judgment and his absolute
trustworthiness," than had Secretary
Bryan.
The speaker recalled the demand
made for a salute Of the Stars and
Stripes by Admiral Mayo at Tampico
as an example, of how the action of a
naval officer in a foreign country pre-
cipitated IAN issue not contemplated
in diplomatic channels, and frrevoca-
bly, committed his government to a
policy of action in support of his de-
mand." Perry's achievement in the
opening of Japan to commerce,
De wey's brilliant victory and his adj
ministration in Philippine waters.
and finally Rear-Admiral Flctcher's
occupation of Vera Cruz were pointed
to by the secretary as conspicuous
instances of the double service re-
quired of the American naval officer
abroad.
There is very recent proof that
Perry. was "a true prophet when he
fore saw friendship between the Unit
ed States and Japan. In the present
Mexican trouble the Japanese have
teen scrupulous to prevent the ship
ment Of arms by Japanese manufac-
turers." .- ~. ~ .@.- aE... E.
Criticizes "Imperialism"
If all American diplomacy in the
Spanish-American war had been mod
,eled after that of Perry's, the secre-
tary.. declared, the United States
might not have yielded to the temp
tation of Imperialism. If our govern
ment had followed closely the diplo-
matte pact set by another great COM
modore of the United States navy,
who himself followed, the diplomacy
of Perry and squared his every action
with the basic doctrines of our re-
public, we would not have strayed so
far afield We would at least have
been consistent in our. diplomacy; we
would not have laid down one rule
for Cuba and another for the Philip
pines. ~ g..
when you stop to think of it,"
said the secretary, mo representative
of our government. official or unoffi-
cial, can command such respect or
can impress another country so deep
Iy with the power of his government
as the captain of war ship lying in
the harbor, with its decks cleared,
perhaps, for action, and it's ominous
12-inch guns trained on the town. Be
lieve me, gentlemen. that man is 60
ing to be seriously listened to by ev-
cry official within range of the ships
armament" 80" =. f.