Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1915-12-16

~ JfEAfGs. ~ H.HaEaE aYH tMAAH Naaf4 f
Washington, d. c.. Dec. 7.-Presiden
Wilson today in his nnua message t
congress explained American ideal:
with reference to the future. spoke O
the need of stronger defense in ordel
to uphold the Monroe doctrine an
touched upon internal problems. Ht
specifically scored the un-Americar
tiyes of certain aliens and requested
the enactment of laws to punish Of
renders. The message follows:
Gentlemen of the Congress-: Since l last
had the privilege of addressing you or
the state of the union the war OF nations
on the other side OF the sea, which had
then only begun to disclose its porten-
tous proportions. has extended it's threat
ening and sinister scope until it has
swept within its flame some portion OF
every quarter of the globe, not except
Ing our w hemisphere, has altered the
whole face of international affairs. and
now presents a prospect of r~eorganiza-
ton and 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.
Not only did we have no part or interest
In the policies which seem to have
brought the conflict on; 1t was necessary,
u a universal catastrophe was to be
oVOt0S0s kIlat q UNIV 6fOuiQ UG SET TO
The sweep OF destructive war and that
some part Of the great family of nations
shoui keep the processes of peace alive,
u only to prevent collective economic
ruin and the breakdown throughout the
world of the Industries by which Its pop
uiatIons are fed and sustained. 1t was
manifestly the duty of the self governed
nations of this hemisphere to redress, IL
possible, the balance of economic loss and
confusion in the other. II 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
and their habitual detachment from the
politics OF Europe, but also by n clear
perception of international duty, the
states Of America a become conscious
o. q 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 q time In the early days of
our own great nation and OF the repub-
Hes fighting their way to independence
In Central n 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 1t its duty to play the
part even without invitation from them:
ana think that we can claim that the
TASK was undertaken with a true and
disinterested enthusiasm for the freedom
OF the Americas Inc the unmolested self
government Of her independent peoples.
But It was always difficult to maintain
sucn q role without offense to the pride
OF the peoples whose freedom of action
We sought to protect, and without pro-
voking serious misconceptions of our mo-
jeives. n every thoughtful mar Of az
fairs must welcome the altered circlm-
stances of the new day in whose light
we now stand, when there is no claim
OF guardianship or thought of wards. but.
instead, q full and honorable association
~ OF partners between 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
sts 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 q common cause of national inde-
p%endence and OF politicu- liberty in
America. But that purpose is now better
understood SO far as 1t concerns our
selves. IT Is known not to be a selfish
purpose. 1t is known to have in 1t no
thought OF taking advantage of any gov
ernnaent In this hemisphere or playing
ITS political fortunes for our own benefit,
All the governments of America stand.
20 far as we are concerned, upon a foot
Ing OF genuin 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
20 be seen. Her fortunes are in her own
hands. hut we have at least proved that
We Will not take advantage Of her In her
distress and undertake to impose upon
ner an order and government Of our own
choosing. Liberty Is often q fierce and
tsltractable thing. to which no bounds can
We set and to which no bounds Of a few
mems choosing ought ever to be set.
Every American who has drunk
q h true fountains of principle and
tradition must subscribe without reser-
vatton to the high doctrine OF the viz
Gtnta bill OF rights, which In the great
Jays In which our government was set
mp was everywhere amongst us accepted
- the creed OF free men. That doctrine
q: .'That government is, or ought to hs
for the common benefit. pro-
ssection, and, security of the people, ma
stiOn. or community that sof ali the
vArtous modes and forms OF government.
that IS the best which is scapable OF pro-
sducing the greatest degree Of happiness
and safety. and is most effectualiy Sc
cured against The danger Of maladmin-
tstration. and that. when any govern
snnent shall be found inadequate or con-
trary to these purposes. a majority Of the
Sc0nnmOunlty. hath an indubitable, inalien-
able and indefeasible right to reform, AL,
tersor abolish II, in such as shall
y Judged most conducive to the pub
10 2 We have unliesitat!ngly an
piled that heroic principle to the case
~ Mexico. and now hopefully await the
rebtrth OF b troubled republic, which
shAd 10 much Of which to purge itself and.
- little sympathy from any outside Quar-
~ n the radical but necessary process.
~ VIII Md n hefrlend Mexico, hut
- NQt not coerce her, and our course
EsNlths regard 80 her ought 70 De sufficient
|pEeefseo M Arnerlca that We seek no DO.
jlsiea suxerAinty e selfish control.
No Atvalry Ia Americas.
Mo- moral Il, tina the states OF Amer
leAaAre not hostile rivals but cooperat-
ln9 hfends. and that their growing n
az So0rnnlunityS OF interest, alike Al mat
p0litlcal andsein matters economic. is
44ely IT. 1ive them ! new Significance as
1AGegssHd International affairs ana In
4neNSp0aittcalg history of-the world. It
E4o016t1 SSeboaasia Ia u very deem and