New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-31

;ca7 No vou not see that there is an
other significance in the fact that we
arc made ND out Of all the peoples OF
the world? The significance OF tnat
fact is that we are not going 70 de-
vote our nationality TO the same mis-
taken aggressive purposes that soHs
! other nationallties have been devoted
TO; that because we are made up ana
consciously made up, out OF all me
great family Of mankind we are cham-
pions Of the rights of mankind.
I'VE are not only ready 10 cooperate
but we are ready TO tight against any
aggression, when il is the sort OF ag
erosion which would be unworthy OF
America. We are ready to fight for our
rights. when those rights are coinci-
dent with the rights of man and of hu-
manity. II was TO set these rights up,
70 vindicate them. 10 offer a home TO
every man who believed in them, that
America was created and her govern
ment set up. We have kept our doors
omen. because we did not think we in
conscience could close them against
men who wanted 20 join their force
with ours in indicating the claim OF
mankind TO liberty and justice.
America does not want any add
tional territory. She does not want
any selfish advantage over any other
nation in the world, but she does wish
every nation in the world to understand
what she stands for and 10 respect
what she stands for, and | cannot con-
ceive OF any man of any blood or origin
failing 20 feel any enthusiasm for the
things that America stands for, or
failing TO see that they are Infinitely
elevated above any purpose of aggres-
sion or selfish advantage.
81 said the other evening in another
place that one of the principles which
America held dear was that small ant
weak states had as much right to their
sovereignty and independence as large
and strong states. She believes that
because strength and weakness have
nothing 10 do with her principles. Her
principles are for the rights and lib
critics Of mankind. and that is the
haven which we have offered 10 those
who believe that sublime and sacred
creed of humanity. And ! also said
that ! believed that the people of the
United States were ready 20 become
partners in any alliance Of the nations
that would guarantee public right above
selfish aggression.
For a DisentangIing Alliance.
"Some Of the public prints have re-
minded me, as If | needed to be re-
minded. Of what General Washington
warned us against. He warned US
against entanglng alliances. ] shall
never myself consent to an entanglilg
alliance, but ! would gladly assent TO
a disentangling alliance, and alliance
which would disentangle the people CT
the world from those combinations in
which they seek their own separate and
private interests, and unite the people
Of the world TO preserve tn peace OF
the world upon basis of common right
and justice. There is liberty there, not
limitation. There is freedom. not en-
tanglement. There is the achievement
of the highest things for which the
United States has declared its prin-
ciple.
eve have been engaged recently. my
fellow citizens, in discussing the pro-
cesses of preparedness. ! have been
trying TO explain to you what we are
getting prepared for. and | want to
point out 10 you the only process Of
preparation which is possible for the
United States. II is possible for the |
United States to get ready only il the !
men of suitable age and strength will |
volunteer 20 get ready.
81 heard the Preside Of the United .
States Chamber of Commerce report !
the other evening on q referendum to !
$50 of the Chambers OF Commerce of /
the United States upon the question Of /
preparedness, and he reported that 90 4
per cent of them had voted in favor |
Of preparedness. Very well. now. we /
are going TO apply the acid test to |
those gentlemen, and the acid test is /
this: Will they give the young men |
in their employment freedom 10 volun-