Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-07
Plans of Secretaries Garrison and Dan
iels Indorsed-Government Must
Lead in Shipping Program.
"Hyphenates Attacked


Joint Session of the senate and House of
Representatives;
Gentlemen Of the Congress;
Since last had tho privilege OF adj
dressing you on the state OF the Union
the war of nations on the other side Of
the sea, which had then only begun to
disclose its portcntous proportions. has
extended its threatening and sinister
scope until 1t has swept within its flame
some portion of every quarter OF the
globe. not excepting our own hemisphere,
has altered the whole face of interna-
tional affairs and now presents n proH-
pect of reorganization and reconstruct
ti6n such ms statesmen and peoples have
never bcen called upon 20 attempt be-
fore.
We have stood apart, studiously neu-
trail. IL was our manifest duty to do so.
Not only dill we have no part or interest
i'm the policies which seem to have
brought the conflict on; IL was neces-
shry. II n universal catastrophe was TO
he avoided, that n limit should he set to
the sweep of destructive war, and TINT
some part of the grent family of ma
tions should keep the processes of pence
alive. IL only TO prevent collective eco
monte ruin and the breakdown through
out the world of the industries by
which Its populations are fed and
sustained. 1t was manifestly the duty
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 readjustment and
recuperation we earnestly hope and be-
lieve that they can be of infinite service.
In this neutrality, 10 which they were
hidden not only by their separate life
and their hnbitunI detachment from the
pclitfcs of Europe, hut nIsO by n clear
nF mt q
States of America have become con-
scious of n new and more vital cOmmu-
nifty of interest and moral partnership
in affairs, more clearly conscious of the
many common Sympnthies and inter-
ests and duties which hid them stand
together.
latina merican Relations
There was Il time in the early days Of
our own great nation and of the republics
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 tho south of her az
against any encroaChmcnts 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 l think that we can claim that the
task was undertaken with a true and
disinterestod enthusiasm for the freedom
of the Americas and the unmolested self
government of her Independent people.
But II was always difficult to maintain
such n role without offense to the pride
of the peoples whose freedom of action
we sought to protect. and without pruvok
ing serious misconceptions of our motives,
and every thoughtful man of affairs must
welcome the altered circumstances of the
new day i'm whose 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 America, north and south.
Our concern for the indepc chdence and
prosperity of the states of Central and
South America IN not altered. We re-
tain unnbntcd the spirit that has In
Epired us throughout the whole life of
our Government and which wns 80
frankly put into words by President
Monroe. We VIII mean always 10
make common cause of national In
dependence and Of political liberty In
America. But that purpose is now
better understood far as it concerns
ourselves 1t is known not to be n selfish
purpose. 1t is known to have in it no
thought Of taking advantage of any gov
ernment i'm this hemisphere or playing its
political fortunes for our own benefit.
All the governments of America stand, !
SO far as We are concerned, upon foot |
ing of genuine equality and unquestioned
independence.
Mexico the Test
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
I'm her distress and undertake to impose
har arHH md ant Of
our own choosing. Liberty X often "A
fierce and intrnctHbIe thing, to which
no hounds can he set. and 10 which no
bounds of "A few mems choosing ought
ever be set.
Every American who has drunk at the
true fountains of principle and tradition
must subscribe without reservation TO !
the high doctrine OF the Virginia bill of
rights, which in the great days in which |
our Government was set up was every |
where amongst US accepted as the creed |
of free men. That doctrine is: THAT |
government Is, or ought to be- instituted
for the common benefit, protection and |
security of the people, nation or com
munity;" that "of all the various modes |
and forms of government, that is the |
best which is capable Of producing the |
greatest degree of happiness and safety, |
and is most effectually secured against
the danger of maladministration; and /
that, when any government shall be
found inadequate or contrary to these |
purposes, a majority OF the community
hath an indubitable, inalienabe and in
defeaslble right to reform, alter or abolish
IL. in such manner as shall be judged
most conducive to the public veal"
We have unhesitntingIy applied that
heroic principle 40 the case of Mexico.
and now hopefully await the rebirth of
the troubled republic, which had so
much OF which 40 purge itself aud 80
little sympathy from any outside quar-
ter In the radical hut necessary process.
Ne will aid and befTiend Mexico, but
We will not cOerce her; and our course
with regard 10 her ought 10 be sufficient
proof 10 all America that we seek no
political suEeraInty or selfish control.
The moral is, that the States of America
are not hostile rivals but cooperating
friends. and that their growing sense Of
community OF interest alike in matters
political and in matters economic, is likely
to give them new Significance as factors
ia international affairs and in the political
history OF the world. IL presents them
In a very deep and true sense a unit
la world AFFAIRS, spiritual partners,
standing together because thinking to-
gefher, quick with common symPathies
and common ideaIsi Separated they are
subIeet 10 all the cross currents of the
eoGfnsed politics of a world OF hostile