New-York tribune., 1916-02-16

Of this day arrive. The events Of the
last few years have taught VA many
lessons. We have learned that civiliza-
ton is but veneer thinly covering the
savage nature OF man; that conven-
tions, courtesies. respect for law, re-
gard for Justice and humanity. are
acquired habits. fcebly constrainlng
the elemental forces of mans nature
developed through countless centuries
Of struggle against wild beasts and saw
age foes. We have been forced to per-
ceive that q nation which fulhls the
conditions on which alone IT can con-
tinue 20 exist. which preserves Its in-
dependence and the liberty of its peo-
ple and makes its power shield Tor
the rights Of its citizens, must de-!
with greed and lust Of conquest and OF
mower and indifference TO human rights.
Failure of Treaties.
I've have seen that neither tho faith
OF treaties nor the law OF nations AT
fords protection 70 the weak against
the aggression Of the strong. We have
begun 10 realize that America. with its
vast foreign trade. with its citizens
scattered over the whole earth, with
millions Of aliens upon its soil, with
its constantly increasing participation
IN worldwide efforts for the benefit OF
mankind, with a thousand bonds OF IN
tercourse and intimacy uniting It 10
other nations, is no longer isolated;
that our nation can no longer live unto
itself alone or stand aloof from the rest
Of mankind that we must play some
part In the progress Of civilization, rec
ognize some duties as correlative 10
our rights.
For the first time within the mem
ory Of men now living, the interna-
tional relations of the United States,
long deemed Of trifing consequence,
are recognized IS vital. How can TINS
nation, which loves peace and INTENDS
Justice. avoid the curse Of milltarism
and at the same time preserve It's IN
dependence, defend its territory, pro-
tect the lives and liberty and property
Of its citizens? How can we prevent
the same principles OF action. the same
policies of conduct, the same forces OF
military power which are exhibited IN
Europe from laying hold upon the vast
territory and practically undefended
wealth of the New World? Can we ex-
pect immunity? Can we command I'M
munity? How shall we play our part
in the world? Have selfish living and
factionsl quarrelling and easy prosper
jty obscured the spiritual vision OF our
country? Has the patriotism OF gen
Grafton never summoned 10 sacrifice be-
come lfeless? Is our nation one. or
discordant multitude? Have we still
national ideals' VIII anybody live for
them Would anybody die for them
Or are we all for ease and comfort and
wealth az any price? Confronted by
such questions as these and the practi-
cal situations which give rise to them.
is the country satisfied 10 trust itself
again In the hands of the Democratic
party?
Duty Of Americans.
"When a President and Secretary OF
State have been lawfully established
in Office, the power of initiative in for
eign affairs rests with them. The ma
tion is in their hands. Theirs is the
authority and theirs the duty TO adopt
and act upon policies, subject TO such
laws as Congress may enact within
constitutional limits. Parliamentary op-
position can take no affirmative step;
can accomplish no Affirmative action.
The expression of public opinion can
DO nothing except as il produces in
fuence upon the minds of those officers
who have the lawful power TO conduct
our foreign relations Their policy is
the country's policy, because IT is they
who are authorized TO act for the coun-
try. While they are working out their
policy all opposition, all criticism, all
Condemnation, are at the risk of weak
ening the case Of ones own country
and frustrating the efforts of its law
full representatives TO succeed III what
they are seeking to accomplish for the
country's benefit
"An American should wish the rep
resentatives Of his country TO succeed,
whatever may be their party, unless
there be wrongdoing against CON
science. However much he may doubt
the wisdom OF their course. he should
help them where he can and refrain
from placing obstacles IN their way.
But when the President and Secretary
of State have acted and seek a new
grant Of power, they and the party
which is responsible for them must ac-
count for their use of power 10 the peo-
pie from whom i came and the people
must pass judgment upon them, and
then full and frank public discussion
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