The Detroit times., 1915-11-15
Pan-Americanism.
BY Or. FRANK CRANE
Copyright, 1915, by Frank Crane,


One act of the national administra-
ton deserves unstinted praise.
1t was the invitation to the Central
and South American republics to join
with the United States in finding a So
luton Vi the Mexican question.
Whether the solution found the rec
lognition of the Carranza party, be the
best or not, the fact remains that the
method of arriving at that conclusion
was craftsmanship with its face to the
future
The kind Of national feeling that sell
hshly regards the interests of our own
country only is crammed with vicious
possibilities. 1t means that nfisehiev-
Gus patriotism which is but national
vanity, that racial feeling which is but
Ipugnacious prideo that kind of reason
ing which is but blind prejudice.
Nations can no more get along to-
gether while each thinks only Of self
than individuals can have deceit COM
munal life in n state of anarchy. With
out unity, cooperation. mutual concila-
zion, and harmony there can be only de-
struction.
Civilization is but another name for
organization. Savagery is rabid indi-
vidualism.
This European war is a rapid rever-
sion to barbarism, the unravelling of the
social fabric. progress backwards.
When Secretary Lansing called in the
six American republics TO take up the
Mexican situation he gave notice TO the
world that Pan-Americanism had ar
rived.
That means that Guatemala has az
much right to her national life as the
United States has to her own; that our
superior wealth and armed power con-
tain no threat to the integrity Of the
least and weakest sister government.
The cooperation Of the six powers
with us cannot help but add new vigor
70 the rapidly increasing spirit Of Pan
American solidarity.
And Pap-Americanism is as much bet
ter, safer, and more wholesome than
Americanism (meaning United States
vanity. as our national patriotism Is
better than state pride.
1t is a step toward the only thing that
can save the world from the hideous,
brutal insanity Of war, and that thing
is humanity, internationalism as above
natonalsm. the world concept swallow
ing up the provincial concept
Besides this the influence Of Pan
American pressure upon Mexico must
be beneficial Mexicans are not fools.
There are many sensible, thinking people
in Mexico who, powerless under the re-
cent era of anarchy, will soon come for
ward to assist in directing their coun-
try's future These can but feel that the
public opinion, not Of the Anglo-Saxon
United States alone. but Of their kindred
Latin-American republics, is worth much
to Mexico.
The self-restraint and noble patience
of the United States government, mani
tested under the most trying conditions,
with mischief-makers in both nations do
ing their utmost TO bring about HOSTILE
ties. have borne magnificent fruit, for
even if Mexico is TO continue for some
time in her internal brois the ideal OF
Pan-Americanism has been strengthened.
And those people in Europe who think
cannot fail to be impressed with the
more excellent way" in which the ma
tons Of the new world adjust their re-
lations
Not by fire and sword, but by reason
and patience are the ideals of the ma
tons 10 be realized.