Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1915-12-15

- AAeSsAAS SWIM ROA " VI
every quarter of the globe, not except
ing our own hemisphere, has altered the
Whole face of International affairs, and
now presents a prospect of reorganiza-
ton n reconstruction such as states
men and peoples have never been called
upon to attempt before.
We have stood apart, studiously neu-
trail. 1t was our manifest duty to do SO.
MOI only did we have no part or interest
in the policies which seem to nave
brought the conflict On; 1t was necessary,
II a universal catastrophe was to be
avoided, that . Anit should be set to
the sweep Of destructive war and that
some part Of the great family Of nations
should keep the processes OF peace alive,
II only to prevent collective economic
ruin and the breakdown throughout the
world OF the Industries by which It's pop
uIatlons are fed and sustained. 1t was
manifestly the duty of the self governed
nations of this hemisphere to redress, if
possible, the balance of economic loss and
confusion in the other, If they could do
nothing more. In the day Of readjust-
ment and recuperation, we earnestly hope
and believe that they can be of infinite
service.
New v. s. Relationships.
In this neutrality. to which they were
hidden not only by their separate life
and their habitual detachment from the
politics of Europe, but also by a clear
perception of international duty, the
states of America have become conscious
OF a new and more vital community of in
terest and moral partnership in affairs,
more clearly conscious of the many COM
mon sympathies and interests and duties
which bid them stand together.
There was a time in the early days of
our own great nation and Of the repub-
lies fighting their way to independence
In Central and South America when 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 entertainments or efforts at
political control from the other side of
the water; felt it its duty to play the
part even without invitation from them;
and I thin that we can claim that the
task was undertaken with a true and
disinterested enthusiasm for the freedom
OF the Americas and the unmolested self
government of her Independent peoples.
But 1T was always difficult to maintain
such a role without offense to the pride
of the peoples whose freedom of action
we sought to protect, and without pro-
voktng serious misconceptions of our mo-
tives, and every thoughtful man of af-
fairs must welcome the altered circum-
stances of the new day in who's light
we now stand, when there is no claim
of guardianship or thought of wards, but,
instead, a full and honorable association
as of partners between ourselves and
our neighbors, in the interest of all
America, north and south. Our concern
Tor the independence and prosperity of
the states of Central and South America
is not altered. We retain unabated the
spirit that has inspired us throughout the
whole life of our government and which
was so frankly put into words by Presi-
dent Monroe. We still mean always to
make a common cause Of national indie
p%endence and of political liberty in
America. But that purpose is now better
understood so far as it concerns our
selves. 1t is known not to be a selfish
purpose. 1t Is known to have in it no
thought of taking advantage of any gov
in this hemisphere or playing
Its political fortunes for our own benefit.
All the governments of America stand,
SO far as we are concerned, upon a foot
Ing of genuine equality and unquestioned
independence.
Mexico and Liberty.
We have been put to the test in the
case of Mexico, and we have stood the
test. Whether we have benefited Mexico
by the course we have pursued remains
to be seen. Her fortunes are in her own
hands. But we have at least proved that
we will not take advantage OF her in her
distress and undertake to impose Upon
her an order and government of our own
choosing. Liberty is often a fierce and
intractable thing. to which no bounds can
be set, and to which no bounds of a few
mems choosing ought ever to be set.
Every American who has drunk
at the true fountains of principle and
tradition must subscribe without reser-
walton to the high doctrine of the vir-
ginia bill of rights, which in the great
days in which our government was set
up was everywhere amongst us accepted
as the creed of free men. That doctrine
is: Tina government is, or ought to be.
for the common benefit, pro-
lection, and security Of the people, ma
ton, or community" that '.of all the
various modes and forms of government.
that is the best which is capable of pro-
ducing the greatest degree of happiness
and safety. and is most effectualiy Sc
cured against he danger of maladmin-
istration. and that, when any govern
ment shall be found inadequate or con-
erary to these purposes, a majority of the
commounity hath an indubitable, inalien-
able inc indefeasible right to reform, al
ter or abolish it. in such manner as shall
be judged most conducive to the pub
lie veal" We nave un%hesitatingly an
piled that heroic principle to the case
of Mexico. and now hopefully await the
rebirth of the troubled republic, which
had so much of which TO purge itself and
90 little sympathy from any outside quar-
yer IN the radical U necessary process.
We will aid n befrIend Mexico, but
we will not coerce her. and our course
with regard to her ought 20 be sufficient
proof % Ill America that ~ seek no 20.
etticai suxeralnty or sstlIsh control.
No Rivalry In Americas.
The moral Ia. that the states Of Amer
lea are not hostile rivals, but cooperat-
Ing friends. and that their growing sense
Of community of interest, alike In mat
ters political and In matters economic. IL
likely to give them a Aew significance as