El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-02-16

products an immunity from competition
IaF more effective than any possible
protective tariff. But that is tempo
ar tll,s,.;i and when the war is over the
American market, compared with i'm
poVerlshed Europe, will be more than
ever before the object of desire and
eiIofJ and We shall become the dump
ING ground of the world to the destrucs
ton Of our own industries unless that
is prevented by a wise and competent
government"
Mere Words For Europe.
Mr. Root turned to the administra-
uon European policy, declaring that
some OF the people were dissatisfied
3 Tor specific reasons, SOME with a vague
Impression that our diplomacy has
, been Inadequate. At this point in his
address the speaker enumerated what
| ne declared We're the administration
! three fundamental errors" As to the
IlrSt Of these-'Lack of foresight to
make timely provision for backing up
American Diplomacy by actual or as
: Sured and naval force'-Mr. Root
pointed to immediate mobilization by
I switzerland and Holland, and con-
tniued:
Ordinary knowledge Of European af-
lars made it plain that the war was
not begun by accident but with pur-
[ pose which would not soon be relin
pushed. Ordinary knowledge of mill
tary events made it plain from the
moment when the tide of German in
vasion turned from the battle OF the
Marine that the conflict was certain to
ne long and desperate. Ordinary
knowledge of history-Of our own his
tory during the Napoleonic wars
made it plain that in that conflict neu-
tral rights would be worthless unless
powerfully maintained. All the world
mad fair notice that, as against the
desperate belligerent resolve to con-
quer the law Of nations and the law Of
humanity interpOsed no effective bar
flers for the protection of neutral
rights. Ordinary practical sense in the
conduct of affairs demanded that such
steps should be taken that behind the
peaceable assertion of our country's
rights, Its independence and its non
or. should stand power, manifest and
available, warning the whole world
that 1t would cost too much to press
aggression too far. The Democratic
government at Washington did not see
II. Others saw it and their opinions
found voice. Mr.. Gardner urged it; Mr.
Lodge urged it; Mr.. StimsOn urged It,
Mr.. Roosevelt urged it; but their argu-
ment and urgency were ascribed to po-
lltical motives and the president de-
scribed them with a sheer as being
nervous and excited.
Democrats Oppose Preparedness.
But the warning voices would not
be stilled. The opinion that we ought
no longer to remain defenceless became
public opinion. Its expression grew
more general and insistent, and finally
the president, not leading. but follow
ing, has reversed his position and asks
the country to prepare against war.
God grant that he be not too late. But
the Democratic party has not SHIFTED
its ground. a large part of its mem
bers in congress are endeavoring now 10
sdetrack the movement for national
% q ~Eaf 70 10
ment and turn it into channels when
viii produce the least possible result
in the increase of national power ana
defence. What sense of effectiveness
in this effort can we gather from the
presence of JOsephus Daniels at most
critical post Of all-the head of the
navy department.; when we see that
where preparation has been possible
it has not been made; when we see
that construction OF WarShlps already
authorized has not been pressed. and
in some cases after Ions delay has not
even been begun
IF an increase of our cOuntry's pow
err to defend itself against aggression
is authorized by the present congress
it must be largely through Republic
can votes because the representatives
Of the Republican party in Washington
stand for the country no matter who
is president.
Failure to Back Up Words.
Discussing his assertion Of the ad-
ministration's second error Of policy
making threats and failing to make
them gO0d"-AIr. Root alluded to the
American "strict accountability warm
ing to Germany and reviewed the cir
cumstances surrounding the attacks on
the Falaba, Cushing, Gulflight. Lusi-
tania and other ships. The later cor
respondence of the state department
was conducted with dignity, but il
has been futile" Mr.. Root said, contln-
uiug:
1.-THE brave woEds with which we be-
gan the controversy had produced no
effect because they were read I'm the
light of two extraordinary events One
was the report of the Austrian ambas-
sador. Mr.. Dumba, to his government,
but when the American note of Feb
ruarv 10 was received ne asked the
secretary of state. Mr.. Bryan, whether
it meant business, and received an an
swer which satisfied him that it did
not, but was intended for effect at
home in America.
1.-THE other event was the strange and
unfortunate declaration of the president
in a public speech in Philadelphia the
fourth day after the sinking OF the
Lusitania that a man may be too proud
to fight Whatever the Austrian am
bassadOr was in fact told by the sec
rotary Of state, the impression Whlch
he reported was supported by the events
which followed. Whatever the presi-
dent did mean, his declaration was ac-
cepted the world over as presenting
the attitude Of the American govern
ment towards the protection OF the lie
and liberty Of American citizens in the
exercise Of their just rights, and
throughout the world the phrase too
proud to fight became the by-word OF
derisiOn and contempt for the govern
meut OF the United States. Later, an
other theater Of war-the Mediterra-
nean-Austria. and perhaps Turkey al
so, resumed the practice. They had
learned to believe that it was safe to
kin Americans-and the world believed
with them. Our diplomacy has lost It's
authority and influence, because we
have been brave III words and irreso-
Lutte in action"
The Outrage of Belgium.
Discussing his third critcism-9
loss of moral forces of the civilized
world through failure to truly inter
pref to the world the spirit OF the
American democracy '-Mr. Root allud-
L If