The Richfield recorder. (Richfield, Idaho) 1909-1931, 1916-03-24


so little worth the claiming in Mexico
as ours. And that is why we have
failed in Mexico.
Policy of "Watchful Waiting"
been turned out by the assistance OF
the American government without any
guarantees from the men who were tc
be set up in his place, and so the muir
fering 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ton had been withdrawn President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 a 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
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 administration 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 and failing to make
them good; third, a-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 terrible
events which accompanied the early
stages of the war.
First, as to power:
When the war in Europe began, free,
peaceable little Switzerland instantly
modified upon her frontier a great
army of trained citizen soldiers. Stur
dy little Holland did the same, and
both have kept their territory and their
independence inviolate.
Great, peaceable America was farther
removed from the conflict, but her
trade and her citizens travelled on ev-
cry sea. Ordinary knowledge Of Eu-
ropean affairs made 1t plain that the
war was begun not by accident, but
with purpose which would not soon be
Ordinary knowledge of
military events made it plain from the
when the tide of German inva-
sion turned from the battle of the
Marine that the conflict was certain to
be long and desperate Ordinary knowl-
edge of history-of our own history
during the Napoleonic wars made 1t
plain that in that conflict neutral rights
would be worthless unless powerfully
20 no, nf4t.of 10 ont OF
ington did not see 1t. Others saw it.
and their opinions found voice. Mr.
Gardner urged it. Mr. Lodge urged 1t,
Mr.. Stimson urged it. Mr. Roosevelt
urged it. but their argument and ur
gency were ascribed to political mo
tives, and the president described them
with a sneer as nervous and excited
Wilson Has Shifted Ground
But the warning voices would not be
stilled The opinion that we ought no
longer to remain defenseless became
public opinion. ITS expression grew
more general and insistent. and finally
he president. not leading, but follow
ng, has shifted his ground. has revers-
I'd his position and asks the country to
prepare against war. God grant that
ne be not too late. But the Democrat
C party has not shifted its ground. A
arge part of its members In congress
ire endeavoring now to sidetrack the
for national preparedness.
o muddle it by amendment and turn
t into channels which will produce the
east possible result In the increase OF
power of defense. What
sense of effectiveness in this effort can
We gather from the presence of Jose
)hus Daniels at the most critical post
# all-the head of the navy depart
nent-when we see that where
has been possible 1t has
lot been made when we see that con
Of warships already author
zed has not been pressed and in some
asses after long delay has not even
,een begun?
If an increase of our country's power
O defend itself against aggression Is
authorized by the present congress 1t
must be largely through Republican
'otes. because all the traditions and
convictions of that party are for ma
ional power and duty and honor.
AS to the policy of threatening words
dpadS.