White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1916-06-16

ing maintenance OF the rights OF
American citizens on land and sea. l
neither impugn motives nor underesti-
mate difficulties. But it is most re-
grettably true that in our foreign re-
lations we have suffered intellectually
from the weak and vacillating course
which has been taken with regard to
Mexico-a course lamentably wrong
with regard to both our rights and our
duties. We interfered without con-
sistency; and while seeking to die
tate when we were not concerned, we
utterly failed to appreciate and dis
charge our plain duty to our own citi-
zens.
cat the outset of the administration
the high responsibilities of our diplo-
matte intercourse with foreign nations
were subordinated to a conception Of
partizan requirements, and we pre-
sented to the world humiliating spec
tacle of inaptitude. Belated efforts
have not availed to recover the influ-
ence and prestige SO unfortunately sec
rificed and brave words have been
stripped of their force by indecision.
II desire to see our diplomacy re-
stored to its best standards and to
have these advanced; to have no sacri-
fices of the national interest to parti-
zan expediencies; to have the first
ability of the country always at it's
command here and abroad in diplo-
matte intercourse; to maintain firmly
our rights under international law; in
sisting steadfastly upon all our rights
as mutual and fully performing our in
ternational obligations, and by the
clear correctness and business of our
position and our manifest ability and
disposition to sustain them to dignity
our place among the nations.
81 stand for an Americanism that
knows no Interior purpose, for a pat
riotism that is single and complete.
Whether native or naturalized of what
ever race or creed, we have but one
country, and we do not for an instant
tolerate any division Of allegiance.
II believe in making prompt pro-
vision to secure absolutely our nation
al security. l believe in preparedness,
not only entirely adequate for our de-
tense with respect to members and
equipment in both army and navy, but
with all thoroughness to the end that
in each branch of the service there
may be the utmost efficiency under
the most competent administrative
heads.
"But we are devoted to the ideals of
honorable peace. We wish to promote
all wise and practical measures for
the just settlement Of international
disputes. In view Of our abiding
ideals, there is no danger Of militar-
ism in this country. We have no pol
icy of aggression; no lust for terri
tory; no zeal for strife.
ut is in this spirit that we demand
adequate provision for national de-
tense, and we condemn the inexcus-
able neglect that has been shown in
this matter of first national import
ance. We must have the strength
which self-respect demands, the
strength of an efficient nation and
ready for every emergency.
"Our preparedness must be indus
trial and economic as we'll as military.
Our severest tests will come after the
war is over.
1--WE must make fast and wise re-
adjustment Of the tariff, in accordance
with sound protective principles, to
insure economic independence and to
maintain American standards Of liv-
ing.s
1--WE must conserve the just inter.
ests of labor, realizing that in de-
mocracy patriotism and national
strength must be rooted in even-hand-
ed justice.
"In preventing, as we must, unjust
Determinations and monopolistic prac-
tees we must still be jealous to as
sure the foundations of honest busi-
ness.
Particularly should we seek the ex-
pansion of foreign trade. We must
not throttle American enterprise here
or abroad, but rather promote it and
take pride in honorable achievements.
1--WE must take up the serious prob
lens Of transportation Of interstate
and foreign commerce, in sensible
and candid manner, and provide an
enduring basis for prosperity by the
intelligent use of the constitutional
powers of congress, 80 as to adequate
ly protect the public on the one hand
and on the other to conserve the es-
sential instrumentalities Of progress.
II stand for the principles Of our
civil service laws In every depart
ment Of government the highest eff