The Ontario Argus. (Ontario, Or.) 1???-1947, 1916-04-20

the lives and rights Of our citizens. No
Gag is 80 dlshonored and no citizenship
so little worth the claiming In Mexico
as ours. And that is why we have
failed In Mexico.
Policy Of "Watehful Waiting"
Incredible rs II seems, Huerta had
been turned out by the assistance OF
the American government without any
guarantees from the men who were 10
be set up in his place. and so the mur.
dering and burning and ravishlng have
gone on to this day. After Huerta
had fallen and the Vera Cruz expedl-
ion had been withdrawn President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, che 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 II made common cause.
When we turn to the adminlstra-
tons conduct of foreign affairs Incl
dent 20 the great war In Europe we
cannot fail 10 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 din
cult and trying. Much OF the CORE
spondenco 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 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 forfci.
ture OF the worlds respect for our as
sertion OF rights by pursuing tho policy
OF making threats md failing TO make
them good; third. loss OF the moral
forces OF the civilized world through
failure 60 truly interpret 20 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 60 power;
When the war In Europe began, free,
peaccablo little Switzerland instantly
mobilizcd upon her frontier n great
army OF trained citizen soldiers. stur.
dy little Holland did the same, and
both have kept their territory and their
Independence invIolate
Grcat. pcnccablc 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 Il plain that the
war was begun not by accident, but
with purpose which would not soon be
rclinqulshcd. Ordinary knowledge Of
military events madc Il plain from the
moment when the tide OF German lnya
sion turned from the battle OF the
Marnc that the conflict was certain 20
be long ana desperate. Ordinary knowl.
edge OF hlstory-of our own history
during the Napoleonlc wars-mndc II
plain that In that conflict neutral rights
would be worthless unless powerfully
maintained
The Democratic government nc Wash.
ington did not see H. Others saw Il.
and their opinions found voice Mr..
Gardner urged Il, Mr.. Lodge urged II.
Mr.. Stlmson urged II. Mr. Roosevelt
urged H. but their argument aud ur.
gency were ascrlbed TO political mo.
tives, and the president described them
with sncor as nervous aud excited
Wilson Has Shifted Ground.
But the warning voices would not be
stillod. The opinion that we ought no
longer 10 remain defenseless became
public opinion. It's expression grew
more general and insistent. and finally
the president, not leading, but follow
Ing, has shifted his ground. has reyers.
ed his position and asks the country 20
prepare against war, God grant that
he be not too late. But the Democrat
ic party has not shifted its ground A
large part of its members In congress
are endeavoring now 10 sidetrack the
movement for national preparedness.
TO muddle It by amendment and turn
II 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
phus Daniels at the most critical post
OF all-the head OF the navy depart
ment-when we see that where
preparation has been possible Il has
not been made. when We see that con-
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