East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1916-06-19

~ NShNNl OF AueQuhle NtIEldbN uA aGtAs
We heartily indorse the purposes and
policy of the pending shipping bill
and favor all such additional meas
ures Of constructive or remedial leg
islation as may be necessary to re-
store our flag to the seas and to pro-
vide further facilities for our foreign
commerce, particularly such laws as
may be made to remove the unfair
conditions Of competition in the deal
lngs of American merchants and pro-
ducers with competitors in foreign
markets.
Preparedness Made Issue,
The part that the United States will
play in the new day of International
relationships which is now upon US
will depend upon our preparation and
our character The democratic party
therefore. recognizes the assertion and
triumphant demonstration Of the in
dividuality and coherent strength of
the nation. the supreme issue of this
day in which the whole world faces
the crisis of manifold change, it sum-
mons all men, of whatever origin or
creed, who would count themselves
Americans, to join in making clear to
all the world the unity and conse-
quent power of America.
This is an issue of patriotism, To
taint it with partisanship would be to
defile it, In this day of test America
must show itself. not nation Of par
tisans but nation of patriots. There
is gathered here in America the best
of the blood, the industry and the
genius of the whole world, the ele.
ments of great race and magnifi-
cent society to be melted into a
mighty and splendid nation,
Whoever, actuated by the purpose
to promote the interest of foreign
power, in DISREGARD of our own coun-
try's welfare or to injure this govern
ment in its foreign relations or Grip
pie its industries at home, and who
ever by arousing prejudices of a ra-
cial, religious or other nature creates
discord and strife among our people
so as to obstruct the wholesome pro-.
cess of unification is faithless TO the
trust which the privileges of citizen.
ship repose in him and disloyal to his
country
We, therefore, condemn as sub
versive of this nations unity and in
tegrity, and as destructive of its well
fare, the activities and designs of
every group or organization, political
or otherwise, that has for its object
the advancement Of the interest of a
foreign power, whether such object is
promoted by intimidating the govern.
ment, political party or representa-
tives of the people or which is calcu-
lated and tends to divide our people
into antagonistic groups and thus to
destroy that complete agreement and
solidarity of the people and that un-
ity of sentiment and national purpose
so esSentiol to the perpetuity Of the
nation and its free institutions.
All Alliances Condemned.
We condemn all alliances and com
hinations of individuals in this coun-
try of whatever nationality or descent
who agree and conspire together for
the purpose of embarrassing or weak.
ening our government or of influence
ing improperly or coercing our public
representatives in dealing or negoti-
ating with any foreign power.
We charge that such conspiracies
among limited number exist and
have been instigated for the purpose
OF advancing the interests of foreign
countries to the prejudice and detri-
ment of our own country. We con-
denim any political party which in
view Of the activity of such conspira-
tors surrenders its integrity or modi-
fies its policy
Along with the proof of our char
acter as a nation must go the proof
of our power to play the part that
legitimately belongs to us. The peo-
pie of the United States love peace.
They respect the rights and covet the
friendship of all other nations. They
desire neither any additional territory
nor any advantage which cannot be
peacefully gained by their skill their
industry, or their enterprise, but they
insist upon having absolute freedom
Of national life and policy, and feel
that they owe it to themselves and to
the role Of spirited independence
which it is their sole ambition to play
that they should render themselves
secure against the hazard or interfer.
ence from any quarter and should
be able to protect their rights upon
the seas or in any part of the world.
Adequate Army Is Hope.
We, therefore favor the mainten-
ance Of an army fully adequate to the
requirements Of order, of safety and
of the protection Of the nations
rights, the fullest development OF
modern methods of sea coast defense,
and the maintenance of an adequate
reserve of citizens trained to arms and
prepared to safeguard the people and
territory Of the United States against
any danger of hostile action which
may Unexpectedly arise. and a fixed
policy for the continuous development
Of a navy worthy to support the great
naval traditions of the United States,
and fully equal to the international
tasks which the United States hopes
and expects to take a part in per.
forming. The plans and enactments
stantial proof Of our purpose in this
eXigent matter.
The democratic administration,
throughout the present was scrupu-
lously and successfully, has held to
the old paths Of neutrality and of the
peaceful pursuit of the legitimate OBJ