The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-05-14

world visions and more concentration
upon the interests of our " country.
which Is the only one we need con-
slider, would he Of more use to the
nation-and Of greater practical bene-
M to the world.
Tho conduct Of foreign affairs II
"a field in which the responsibility Of
national folly rests prominently upon
officials. because the American people
scarcely yet realize the real impOr-
tancc Of our diplomatic policies to
their honor. their safety M their
business. The diplomacy NJ the pres
ent Administration has generally been
t~ranscendental and visionary where IL
should have been practical, vacillating
and procrastinating where it should
have been decided n prompt. blus-
tering where IL should have been eau
tious. shallow aOd opportunistic where
IL should have been founded in deep
craftsmanship. obstinate where II
should have been conciliatory.
The archives have been stuffed with
the dangerous and foolish Bryan arbi-
tration treaties which protect us from
nothing. expose us to danger and in
suit and hamper our rlghtful innu-
ence. In the European war gaucherie
has exhibited us as caring for nought
but dollars n as too timid or unde-
cided to make a real stand on nearly
! every occasion when humanity. usage
and law alike justified Americas
making her voice needed for the right.
"Watchful Waiting has become a
worldwide joke. Lord Elgin once
mazda ~ tt,A Ttx,,-uo l-c., .z.z-.tt.
1t was to deal with a people "who
yield nothing to reason and everything
to force This Administration has con-
sistently denied either to poor Mexico!
And now they recognize Carranza.
We hear Of no guarantees except for
Catholic interests. So far, so good;
but what Of the thousands Of Ameril-
cans despoiled and maltreated in
Mexico? Are they ignored because
unorganized? Logic Is sought in ain
i'm this policy" CD.
Yet a real policy could readily
enough have been devised. For ex-
ample. We might bottle up Mexico,
hold its ports n perhaps its north
ern States. n collect its customs and
pay from those funds all equitable
damages 10 Americans and other
foreigners. and also our expenses.
otherwise Mexico will try to evade
payment under the international law
doctrine OF track or war damages"
being uncolicctable.)
Meanwhile. In the ourse 81 time.
Mexico might learn to behave and part
Of the forcihle measures could per-
haps he relaxed. We should. however.
make no promises to restore places oc-
cupied. but reserve those questions for
ultimate consideration.
Such a curse would avoid the
wholesale penetration and pacification
~ a vast country which the latest
shift In recognizing Carranza does not
at all appear 60 remove from the field
Of probability. Some such clear policy.
If announced IN advance in an ulti-
inatun. might even bring sobriety to
Mexico In a month or two.
But why cite n type Of anything that
might be constructive and sound in
foreign policy? This Administration
seems to have adopted the 'manana''
spirit. maybe as a delicate compliment
20 the new form OF cloyinCly sweet
Pan = Americanism. Unfortunately
"manara" Is no, all il is necessary TO
learn about Latin America and In
dian America.
This Administration seems Der on
wrongheaded shilly shallv in our for
Gig relations. as II IL were its proud
mission to express in ineptitude the
national folly which holds the mass of
Americans SO %perilously indifferent to
these things. And the Democratic
party in It's last campaign book actu-
ally had the effrontery TO boast of
its diplomacy.
Since there appears no great Demo-
cratic revolt against the inefi'ciency
and drift that now characterize the
are Of nearly all our vital interests
n need not be a partisan 10 turn for
hope to the Republican party. But
il too will need the whip Of public
opinion. A careless and ~thoughtless
electorate will never merit a good
government.
II the Republican party fails AT the
proper time TO liberate the brains and
character Of the truly American South
by a declaration on the negro ques-
ton there or fails TO have constructive
modern ideas beyond the old full din
ner pail" or fails at Chicago to put
up as "A candidate a safe and really
big a untainted alike by reaction
arisn and by wild eyed Bun Mooseism,
il will lose a wonderful opportunity.
There will be a test in the coming
campaign as to whether the vices of
selfish individualism are to determine
things. or whether wise and sincere
cooperation for the national good shall
triumph over national folly. Loose
thinking. half baked dog1nas. prejudice
and lack of coordination among the
citizens will only give a new lease of
life to national incoherency and scu:!-
mentalism, under whatever party IL he,