Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-02-16
ROOT SOUNDS BATTLE
CRY OF THE CAMPAIGN

greatest demonstration came when he re.
ferred to the failure of the American
Government to assert itself when Belgium
was invaded. In violating the neutrality
of Belgium, Mr.. Root said, Germany not
only shocked all liberty.loving Americans,
but broke her international law contract
with the United States
Whether Middle West Republicans. par.
tlcularly those with large German-Amerl.
can constituencies. will approve any refer.
ence in the Republican platform at Chi.
cago to the Belgium affair was a subject
of great speculation today.
In the prepared copy of his speech Mr..
Root referred in friendly manner to Col.
onel Roosevelt as one of the critics of the
Wilson Administrations foreign policy
He omitted this reference to Roosevelt in
his speech last night.
REPUBLICANS CHANCE.
Mr.. Roots opening words were an
avowal of the uppermost Importance of
the presidential campaign and of the fact
that "for the first time in 90 years we
enter the field as the party opposition"
1t was, however. to the diplomatic rec
ord of the Wilson Administration that
the former Secretary of state addressed
himself at greater length.
I'VE have begun to realize" he said
that America Is no longer isolated; that
our nation can no longer live unto itself
alone or stand aloof from the rest of
mankind; that we must play some part
in the progress of civilization, recognize
some duties as correlative to our rights.
For the first time within the memory of
men now living the international relations
of the United States, long deemed of trl-
fling consequence, are recognized as
vital"
How shall we play our part in the
world? Have selfish living and factional
quarreling and easy prosperity obscured
the spiritual vision of our country? Have
we still national ideas? VIII anybody
live for them? Would anybody die for
them? Or are we all for ease and COM
fort and wealth at any price?"
THE MEXICAN POLICY.
Concerning President Wilson'S Mexican
policy, Mr.. Root said:
He intervencd In Mexico to aid one
faction in civil strife against another.
He undertook to pull down Huerta and
set Carranza up in his place.
And" he added, "for the death and
outrage the suffering and ruin of our own
brethren, the hatred and contempt for
our country. and the dishonor of our
name in that land. the Administration at
Washington shares responsibility with
common cause"
THE WAR IN EUROPE.
Referring to the war in Europe, the for
mer Senator said in part:
"a study of the Administrations
policy toward Europe since July, 1914,
reveals three fundamental errors. First
the lack of foresight to make timely pro-
vision for backing up American diplo-
macy by actual or assured military and
naval force. Second, the forfeiture of the
worlds respect for. our assertion of rights
by pursuing the policy of making threats
and failing to make them good. Third, a
loss of the moral forces of the civilized
world through failure truly to interpret to
the world the spirit of the American dem.
ocracy In it's attitude toward the terrible
events which accompanied the early stages
of the war
Finally the President, not leading, but
following. has shifted his ground. has re-
Versed his position, and asks the country
to prepare against war. God grant that
he be not too late
THE LUSITANIA EPISODE.
Reviewing at length the Lusitania cpl
sode, which he described as the Every
thing our Government had warned Ger
many she must not do" but which, he
said, Germany did OF set purpose, and in
the most contemptuous and shocking
way" Mr. Root continued:
'The later correspondence has been con-
Quoted by our State Department with dig
nifty. but 1t has been futile. An admission
of liability for damages has been secured.
but the time for real protection to Amer
lean rights has long since passed, and
throughout the world the phrase too
proud to fight became a byword of de-
rslon and contempt for the Government
of the United States.
WRONG DONE IN BELGIUM.
1.-THE American people were entitled not
merely to feel but TO speak concerning
the wrong done to Belgium. II was not
like interference in the internal affairs OF
Mexico or any other nation, for this was
an international wrong. The law pro-
tecting Belgium which was violated was
our law and the law of every other civil
lized country.
DANGEROUS POLICIES"
"Such policies as I have described are
doubly dangerous In their effect upon
foreign nations and In their effect at
home, 1t is a matter of universal eX-
perience that weak and apprehensive
treatment of foreign affairs invites en-
croachments upon rights and leads to
situations in which 1t Is difficult 70 pre-
vent war while a firm and frank policy
at the outset prevents difficult situations
from arising and tends most strongly TO
nreserve peace. On the other hand. II
Government is TO be strong in its diplo-
macy its own people must be ranged In
its support by leadership of opinion In
a national cause worthy to awaken their