New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-08
Wilson Opens Message
with Neutrality Plea

YOU on the state Of the Union tho war
Of nations on the other side Of the sea,
which had then only begun TO disclose
its p0rtentous proportions, has extend
ed its threatening and sinister scope
until 10 has swept within It's flame
some portion Of every quarter Of the
globe. not excepting our own heml-
sphere; has altered the whole face "
international affairs, and now presents
a prospect OF reorganization and re-
construction such statesmen and
peoples have never been called upon
TO attempt before.
We have stood apart, studiously
neutral To was our manifest duty to
DO so. Not only did we have no part
or interest in the policies which seem
10 have brought the conflict on; 10 was
necessary. If universal catastrophe
was To- be avoided, that q limit should
be set TO the sweep Of destructive war
and that some part Of the great fam
ily Of nations should keep the
processes Of peace alive IS only 70
prevent collective economic ruin and
the breakdown throughout the world
of the iudustries by which its popula-
tious are fed and sustained il was
manifestiy the duty OF the self-gov-
erncd nations OK this hemisphere 20 re-
dress If possible, the balance Of eco
monte loss and confusion iu the other.
if they could do nothing more. In the
day of readiustment and recuperatlon
we earnestly hope and believe that
.hev can be Of infinite service.
I'm this neutrality, 90 which they
we're hidden not only by their sepa-
rate life and their habitual detachment
from tho politics Of Europe but also
hv clear perception Of international
dutv. thc states OF America have be-
come conscious Of new and more
vital community Of interest and moral
partnership IN affairs more clearly
conscious OF the many common sympa-
thies and interests and duties which
bid them stand together.
Pan-Americn Relations.
There was time in the early days
of our own great nation and Of the
republics fighting their way TO inde-
pendence in Central and South Amer
Tea when the government Of the United
States looked upon itself as in some
sort the Guardian OF the republics TO
the south o. her as against any en-
croachmcnts or efforts az political con-
troll from the othcr side of the water
felt IL it's duty TO play the part even
without invitation from them-and !
think that we can claim that the task
was undertaken with true and disln-
terested enthusiasm for the freedom
Of the Americas and the unmolested
self-gOvernmeu of her independent
peoples. But IL was always d,Icult
TO maintain such O role without Of
fence to the pride Of the peoples whose
freedom of action we sought 30 protect,
and witht ut provoking serious miscon-
ceptiOus OF our motives, and every
thoughtful man of affairs must wei
come the altered circumstances Of the
new day in whose light we now and
when there is no claim Of guard an
ship or thought of wards. but, instead
a full and honorable association as OF
partners between ourselves and Oui
neigh bors in the interest OF all Amer
lea. North and South. Our concern
for the independence and prosperity
Of the states Of Central and Soutf
America IS not altered. We retain IN
abated the snirit that has inspired "a
throughout. the whole life OF our gov
eminent. and which was so frankly pu
into words By President Monroe. W,
still mean always % make a commo'
cause Of national independence and o.
political liberty in America. But tina
purpose is now betfcr understood 81
FAR as it concerns ourselves. IL y
known not 90 be @ selfish purpose. j
is known 90 have in it no thought Of
taking advantage Of any government
in this hemisphere or playing It's 20
Utica' forturcs Cor our own benefit
All the Governments Of America stand
so far as we are concerned, upon
footing Of genuine equality and un'
questioned irdcuerdence.
We have been put % the test IN IN,
case OF Mexico. and we have stood thu
test Whether we have benefited Mex
leo by the course we have pursued re-
mains 20 be seen. Her fortunes are
In her own hands. But we have az
least proved that We viii not take adj
vantage % her in her distress and IN
dertake 20 'nnose unon her on order
and govern emit Of our own choosing
Liberty Is often fierce end intract-
able thing. % which no bounds can b
set and 90 which no bounds OF T."
ren's CHOOSING OUGHT ever 20 be set
Every American who has drunk 1t the
true fountains % principle and tradi-
ton must subscribe without rcscrva
ton 10 the high doctrine Of the Viz
ginia Bin % Rights. which In tho
great days in which our government.
was set up was everywhere amongst US
accepted ~ the creed OF FREE men. Tina,
doctrine = "that Government ie. o.
ought 20 be, ins.tutcd Tor the com
mon benefit protection and security
- the people, nation or community;
hat "Of I'll the various. modes and
forms of government that 81 the best
which - capable % producing tho
greatest degree Of haopinoss and rafe.
~ and r. most cfectually secured
against the danger Of ua'a3mi-ist-a-
ton and tha'. when any govern raeot
shall be found inadequate or contrary
% these DurDoscs. a majority % the
community hath On 'rduhitablo. In
silenable and indefessible right 20 re-
form. alter or abolish li in such man
ner a. shall Be JUDGED most conducive
70 The public wrni" We have unhcsi-
tstlnqly applied that heroic principle
20 The ease % Mexico. and now hope
fallv await the rebir'h % The troubled
repubiic which bad 80 much 81 which
N purge itseif md 20 l.tiie sympathy
from any outside quarter ~ the radical
hut necessary process We ~lll aid
ana befrierd Mezic0, but we will not
eoeree her; md our coursc With re,
card N her cught % be sufficient proof
- 81 Arnert-a that We feek 20 poiit4cai
1uzsrsinty a. selfish control
Yhends Rather than Rivals.
4 Zhs neral Il that the states 0f Amer