The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1916-03-24

the lives and rights Of our citizens. NJ
dag is so dishonored and no CITIZENSHIP
80 little worth the claiming in Mexico
as ours. And that is why we have
failed In Mexico.
Policy Of "Watehfui Waiting
Incredible as 1t seems, Huerta had
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.
dsring 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ton had been withdrawn President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
responsibility with the inhuman brutes
with whom it made common cause.
When we turn to the administra.
lions 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 nc.
curate learning and skillful statement
OF specific American rights.
Three Errors In European Policy.
A study Of the administrator 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 falling to make
them good; third. 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
mobilized 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
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
relinquished. Ordinary knowledge of
military events made it plain from the
moment 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 II
plain that I'm that conflict neutral rights
would be worthless unless powerfully
The Democratic government at Wash
lngton did not see It. Others saw It.
and their opinions found voice. Mr..
Gardner urged 1t. Mr.. Lodge urged II.
Mr.. Stimson urged 1t, Mr.. Roosevelt
urged 1t. but their argument and ur-
sency were ascribed to political mo-
ives, and the president described them
with sheer as nervous and excited.
Wilson Has Shifted Ground.
But the warning voices would not be
'tilied. The opinion that we ought no
onger 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-
d his position and asks the country to
prepare against war; God grant that
he be not too late. But the Democrat
c party has not shifted its ground. A
arge part of its members III congress
ire endeavoring now to sidetrack the
movement for national preparedness. /
o muddle 1t by amendment and turn
into channels which will produce the
east possible result in the increase Of
lational power Of defense. What
ense Of effectiveness In this effort can
We gather from the presence OF Jose
'hus Daniels at the most critical post
4 all-the head Of the navy depart
nent-when We see that where |
PREPARATION has been possible 1t has
ot been made, when We see that con.
truction Of warships already author
sed has not been pressed and in some
ases after long delay has not even
cen begun?
II an increase Of our country's power |
defend itself against aggression Is |
by the Dresenf cOnpress N