The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1916-03-16

the lives and rights OF our citizens. No
flag is sc dishonored and no citizenship
so little worth the claiming in Mexico
as ours. And that is why We have
failed in Mexico.
Policy of "WatchfuI Waiting"
Incredible as it seems, Huerta had
been turned out by the assistance of
the American government without any
guarantees from the men who were to
be set up in his place, and so the muir
dering and burning and raviShing have
gone on to this day After Huerta
had fallen and the Vera Cruz expedi-
ton had been withdrawn President
Wilson announced that no one was
entitled to interfere in the affairs of
Mexico: that she was entitled to settle
them herself. He disclaims all re-
spOnsibility for what happens in Mex
leo and contents himself with q pol
icy of watchful waiting. And for the
death and outrage, the suffering and
ruin of our own brethren, the hatred
and contempt for our country and the
dishonor of our name in that land the
administration at Washington shares
responsibility with the inhuman brutes
with whom it made common cause
When we turn to the administra-
TONS conduct of foreign affairs Incl
dent to the great war in Europe we
cannot fail to perceive that there is
much dissatisfaction among Ameri-
cans. Dissatisfaction is not in itself
ground for condemnation. The stu
alton created by the war has been diff
cult and trying. Much of the CORE
spondence of the state department,
especially since Mr. Lansing took
charge, has been characterized by ac-
curate learning and skillful statement
Of specific American rights.
Three Errors In European Policy.
A study of the administrations pol
icy toward Europe since July, 1914,
reveals three fundamental errors: First,
the lack of foresight to make timely
provision for backing up American di-
plomacy by actual or assured military
and naval force; second, the forfeit
ture Of the worlds respect for our as
SertiOn Of rights by pursuing the policy
OF making threats ana failing to make
them good: third, l loss of the moral
forces Of the civilized world through
failure TO truly interpret to the world
the spirit Of the American democracy
in its attitude toward the terrib.,
events which accompanied the early
stages of the war
First, as TO power:
When the war in Europe began, free
pcaceable little Switzerland instantly
modified upon her frontier a grca,
army of trained citizen soldiers. Stur
dy little Holland did the same. an
both have kept their territory and thei,
Independence inviolate.
Great peaceable America was farthcr
removed from the conflict, but hci
trade and her citizens Travelled on cy
cry sea. Ordinary knowledge of Eu
ropean affairs made 1t plain that III
war was begun not by accident. bu,
with purpose which would not soon b.
relinQuished. Ordinary knowledge ul
military events made it plain from the
moment when the tide of German inv
sion turned from the battle Of ill.,
Marne that the conflict was certain Z.
be long and desperate Ordinary know
edge Of history-of our own history
during the Napoleonic wars-made IL
plain that in that conflict neutral rights
would be worthless unless powerfully
maintained
The Democratic government at Wash
ingtUn did not see it. Others saw H.
and their opinions found voice. Mr.
Gardner urged it, Mr. Lodge urged II.
Mr. Stimsou urged it. Mr. Roosevelt
urged it. but their argument and ur.
gency were aocribcl to political M.
lives, and the president described them
with a sheer rs nervous and excited
Wilson Has Shifted Ground.
But the warning voices would not b.
stilled, The opinion that we ought no
longer to remain dcfcuscless became
public opinion. Its expression grew
more general and iusistcnt and FINALLY
the president, not leading. but follow
ing, has shifted his ground has rcvcr@
ed his position and asks the country O.
prepare against war cd grant that
he be not too late But the Democrat.
ic party has not shifted its ground. \
large part of its members in congress
are cn0eavuriug now to sidetrack the
movement for national preparedness.
TO middle it by amendment and turn
it into channels which will produce the
least possible result in the increase of
national power of defense. What
sense of effectiveness in this effort can
we gather from the presence of Jose.
plus Daniels at the most critical post
Of all-the head Of the navy depart
ment-when we see that where
preparation has been possible it has
not been made, when We see that con
struction OF warships already author.
lied has not been pressed and in some
cases after long delay has not even
been begun?
If an increase Of our country's power
to defend itself against aggression IS
authorized by the present congress it
must be largely through Republican
votes, because all the traditions and
convictions Of that party are for ma
tional power and duty and honor.
AS to the policy of threatening words