The Delta independent., 1915-12-10
PRESIDENT IN MESSAGE
ADVOCATES PREPAREDNESS

President Wilson, in his annual ad-
dress to congress on Monday, dealing
mainly with national defense, proclaim
ed and advance Pan-Americanism
growing from the guardianship of the
Monroe doctrine to the full and hon
orable associatism of all the Ameri-
cans"
Although the longest address he has
yet delivered to congress, he touched
upon variety of subjects, the predom-
mating note was the necessity Of
policy of military preparedness to meet
the adjustments of the next generation
as they will affect the American con-
tinent The president, in the most un-
measured terms he ever has employ
ed before congress, denounced natur-
allied Americans who by sympathies
for the European belligerents have en-.
dangered American neutrality.
The president pointed to the atti-
tude of the United States towards
Mexico as proving that this country
has not selfish motives in it's interest
in countries in Central and South
America. There was a time, he said.
when the United States looked upon
publics to the south as against the
encroachment or efforts of political
control from Europe.
But" he added. 1T was always diff
fn 1ain nfo;,
offense to the pride of the peoples
whose freedom of action we sought
to protect, and every thoughtful man
of affairs must welcome the altered
circumstances of the new day in whose
light we now stand. when there is no
claim of guardianship or thought of
rewards. but, instead. full and honor-
able assocition of partners between
ourselves and our neighbors in the in
terests of all America, North and
South.
Our concern for the independence
and the prosperity of the States OF
Central and South America is not al
tered. 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 President Monroe. We still mean
always to make a common cause of
national independence and of political
liberty in America. But that purpose
is now better understood so far as it
concerns ourselves. 1t is known not to
be selfish purpose. 1t is known to
have in it 20 thought of taking ad-
vantage of any government in this
hemisphere or playing its political for
tunes for our own benefit. All the
governments of America stand, so far
as we are concerned. upon a footing
of genuine equality and upquestionei
independence"
I'VE have been put to the test in
the case of Mexico. and we have stood
the test declared the president. He
added that it remained to be seen
whether Mexico had been benefited
by the course taken by the administra-
tion, but that I'VE have at least prov
ed that we will not take advantage
of her in her distress and undertake
to impose upon her an order and gov
ernment of our own choosing"
The moral is" continued the presi-
dent, that the states of America are
not hostile rivals but cooperating
friends. and that their growing sense
of community interest, alike in mat
ters political and in matters economic
is likely to give them a new signifi-
canoe as factors in international af-
fairs and in the political history of
the world. II presents them as in
very deep and true sense a unit in
world affairs. spiritual partners ~t..nd.
ing together because thinking together
quick with common sympathies and
common ideals. Separated they are
subject TO all the cross currents of
the confused politics of world of hos
tile rivalries; united in spirit and pur.
pose they cannot be disappointed of
their peaceful destiny.
The passion of the American people.
the president declared. was for peace:
that conquest and dominion was not
in their reckoning nor agreeable TO
their principles.
But just because we demand un-
molested development and the undis
turbed government of our lives upon
our own principles of right and liber.
V.' he said. 1--WE resent. from what
ever quarter it may come. the aggres-
sion we uorselyes will not nractice