Evening star., 1915-12-07

Duties Of American States.
In this neutrality, to which they were
hidden not only by their separate iIe
and their habitual detachment from the
politics of Europe. but also by clear
percsption of international duty, the
states Of America have become con-
scious of a new and more vital com
nlunity of interest and moral partner
ship in affairs, more clearly conscious
of the many common sympathies ana
interests and duties which bid them
stand together.
There was a time in the early days
of our own great nation and OF the re
publics fighting their way to independ-
ence in Central and South America
1..hcn the government of the United
States looked upon itself as in some
sort the guardian Of the republics TO
the south of her as against any en-
'crorchments or efforts at political con-
trni rom the other side Of the water:
felt il it's duty to play the part even
wit"out invitation from them: and l
think thai we can claim that the task
was undertaken with a true and disin-
ferested enthusiasm for the freedom
OF the Americas and the unmolested
seif-government of her Independent
peoples.
Unity on Western Hemisphere.
But II was always difficult to MAIN
tain such role without offense to the
pride OF the peoples whose freedom Of
action we sought to protect, and with
out provoking serious misconceptions
OF our motives, and every thoughtful
maU OF affairs must welcome the al
tered circumstances of the new day in
whose light we now stand. when there
is no claim of guardianship or thought
OF wards but. instead. a full and hon
ora BILE association as of partners be-
tween ourselves and our neighbors. In
the interest of all America, north and
south.
Our concern for the independence and
prosperity of the states of Central and
South America is not altered. We re-
tain unabated the spirit that has in
spired us throughout the whole life of
our government and which was SO
frankly put into words by President
Monroe. We still mean always to make
common cause of national indepeHd-
ence and of political liberty in Amer
lea. But that purpose is now better
understood so far as IT concerns our
selves. II rs known not to be selfish
purpose. II is known to have in il no
thought of taking advantage of any
government. in this hemisphere or play
ing it's political fortunes for our own
heneht. All the governments Of Amer
lea stand. SO far are concerned
upon footing of genuine equality and
unquestioned independence.
Put to Test in Mexico.
We have been put to the test in the
use of Mexico, and we. have stood the
vest Whether we have benefited Mex
ice by the course we have pursued re-
mains to be seen. Her fortunes are
in her own hands. But we have al
least proyed that We will not take ad-
vantage of her I'm her distress and -un-
dertake to impose upon her an order
and government of our own choosing
Liberty is often fierce and intract-
able thing, to which no bounds can be
set. and TO which 10 bounds OF a few
mems choosing ought ever 10 be set
EyerS american who mas drunk al the
true fountains OF principle and tradi-
tioh must subscribe without reserya
tion to the high doctrine of the Virginia
bill of rights. which in the great DAYS
in'which our-goveYnment was set uu
was everywhere amongst US accented
AS the creed of free men.
That doctrine is. That goyernmen,
is. or ought to be. instituted for the