Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-08-01

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strong and patriotic position. We coun-
tenance no covert policies, no intrigues,
no secret schemes. We are unreserved-
ly, devotedly. whole-heartedly, for the
United States. That is the rallying
point for all Americans That is my
position l stand for the unf1inching
maintenance of all American rights on
land and sea.
We have had a clear and definite mis-
sion is a great neutral nation. 1t was
for us to maintain the integrity of in
ternational law; to vindicate our rights
as neutrals; to protect the lives of our
citizens, their property and trade from
wrongful acts. Putting aside any ques-
ton as to the highest possibilities of
moral leadership in the maintenance and
vindication of the law of nations in con-
nection with the European War, at least
were entitled to the safeguarding of
American rights. But this has not been
secured. We have had brave words in
a series of notes, but despite our pro-
tests the lives of Americans have been
destroyed. What does it avail to use
some of the strongest words known to
diplomacy if ambassadors can receive
the impression that the words are not
to be taken seriously? 1t is not words,
but the strength and resolution behind
the words. that count. The chief func-
ton of diplomacy is prevention: but in
this our diplomacy failed. doubtless be-
cause of its impaired credit and the
manifest lack of disposition TO back
words with action. Had this Govern
ont NV 1a of hofI inf =
formal diplomatic opportunities left no
doubt that when we said strict account
ability" we meant precisely what we
said. and that we should unhestatingly
vindicate that position, l am confident
that there would have been no destruc-
ton of American lievs by the sinking
of the Lusitania. There, we had ample
notice; in fact. published notice. Fur
thermore, we knew the situation and
we did not require specific notice. In
stead of whiting away our formal
statements by equivocal conversations,
we needed the straight. direct and de-
cls1ve representations which every diplo-
mat and foreign office would understand
l believe that in this way we should
nave been spared the repeated assaults
on American lives. Moreover, a firm
American policy would have been
strongly supported by our people and
the opportunities for the development
of bitter feeling would have been vastly
reduced.
1t is great mistake to say that reso-
luteness in protecting American rights
would nave led to war. Rather, in that
course lay the best assurance of peace
weakness and indecision in the main
tenance of known rights are always
sources of great danger; they forfeit
respect and invite serious wrongs, which
IN turn create an uncomfortable popular
resentment That is not the path of
national security. Not only have we a
host of resources short of war by
which to enforce our Just demands but
we shall never promote our neace hv
being stronger in words than in deeds
We should not have found it difficult to
maintain peace, but we should have
maintained peace with honor During
this critical period. the only danger of
war has lain in the weak course of the
Administration.
Go not put life and property on the
same 1ootlng, hut the Administration
mas not only been remiss with respect
TO the protection of American lives: it
mas been remiss with respect to the
protection Of American property and
American commerce. 1t has been too
much disposed to be content with leis
urely discussion. / cannot now under.
take to review the course of events. hut
1t is entirely clear that we failed to use
the resources at our command to pre
vent injurious action, and that we have
suHered in consequence We have no
Interior purposes, and the Administra-
ton should have known how to secure
the protection of every legitimate Amer
lean interest and the prompt recognition
OF our just demands a neutral nation.
we denounce all plots and conspira-
cles in the interest of any foreign ma
ton. Utterly intolerable is the use of
our soil for alien intrigues. Every
American must unreservedly condemn
tnem. and support every effort for their
suppression But here, also, prompt,
vigorous and adequate measures on the
part of the Administration were needed.
There should have been no hesitation:
no notion that it was wise and polite
to delay Such an abuse of our terri
tory demanded immediate and thorough
istration had notice of plots and con-
spiracies. 1t was its duty to stop them.
1t was not lacking in resources Its re-
sponsibility for their continuance can
not be escaped by the condemnation of
others.
Preparedness
We are a peace-loving people. but we
live in world of arms. We have no
thought of aggression. and we desire to
pursue our democratic ideals without
the wastes of strife. So devoted are we
to these ideals. so intent upon our nor
NAL development, that I do not believe
that there is the slightest danger Of
militarism in this country. Adequate
preparedness is not militarism. It 10
the essential assurance Of security; It
is a necessary safeguard Of peace.