The Harrison times., 1915-12-11

washington, Dec. T-President Wilson
today delivered his annual message at a
Joint session Of the two houses Of con-
gress. He said in part:
Since / last had the privilege Of ad-
dressing you on the state of the Union
tine Mar of nations on the other side Of
the sea, which had then only begun TO
disclose Its portentous proportions, has
extended its threatening and sinister scope
until II has swept within its flame some
portion OF every quarter OF the globe, not
excepting our hemisphere, has altered the
whole face of international affairs and
now presents a prospect of reorganlza-
ton and reconstruction such as states
men and peoples have never been called
upon 10 attempt before.
We have stood apart, studiously neutral.
1t was our manifest duty to do so. In
the day OF readjustment and recupera-
ton we earnestly hope and believe that
we can be Of infinite service,
In this neutrality, to which they were
hidden not only by their separate life and
their habitual detachment from the poll
tics OF Europe but also by clear per
ception of international duty, the states
OF America have become conscious of a
new and more vital community Of inter
est and moral partnership in affairs more
clearly conscious Of the many common
sympathies and interests and duties which
bid them stand together
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
We will aid and befriend Mexico, but
we will not coerce her; and our course
with regard to her ought to be sufficient
proof TO all America that we seek no po-
littcal suzerainty or selfish control.
Not Hostile Rivals.
The moral is. that the states OF Amer
lea are not hostile rivals, but cooper
ating friends, and that their growing
sense of community Of interest, alike in
matters political and in matters econom-
ic, is likely to give them a new signih-
cance as factors In International affairs
and in the political history of the world,
1t presents them as in a very deep and
true sense a unit in world affairs, spir-
itual partners, standing together because
thinking together, quick with common
sympathies and common ideals. Separat
ed, they are subject to all the cross cur
rents of the confused politics of a world
of hostile rivalries; united in spirit and
purpose they cannot be disappointed of
their peaceful destiny
This is Pan-Amertanism. II has none
of the spirit of empi'e in 1t. 1t is the en-
bodiment, the >ertA A,ual embodiment, Of
the spirit saf law and independence and
mutual service.
Tere is. l venture to point out, an espe-
~ significance just now attaching to
IS whole matter of drawing the Amer
Ias together in bonds OF honorable part
aership and mutual advantage because of
the economic readjustments which the
world must inevitably witness within the
next generation, when peace shall have
at last resumed It's healthful tasks. In
the performance of these tasks | believe
the Americas to be destined to play their
parts together. I am interested to fix
your attention on this prospect now be-
cause unless you take 1t within your
view and permit the full significance of
II to command your thought l cannot
find the right light in which to set forth
the particular matter that lies at the
very front of my whole thought as I ad-
dress you today, I mean national de-
Tense.