The Washington times., 1916-08-01

policy Of firmness and consistency
through which alone we can promote an
Mexico the protection OF the lives and
the property Of our citizens and the Sc
curity of our border from depredauons.
Much will be gained IL Mexico 10 con-
some interference with what does not
concern us, but that we propose to IN
sist In a nrm and candid manner upon
the performance OF international opn-
propriateiy discharsing It's interna-
tlonal duties we should give ungrudg-
Ing support. A short period OF ,hrn.
consistent. and friendly dealing VIII ac-
vacillation
Stands Firmly for
American Rights.
In this land of composite popula-
tion, drawing it's strength from every
race. the national security demands
that there shall be no paltering with
American rights. The greater the
Danger of divisive influences. the
greater 10 the necessity Tor the unity
Ing force Of a just. strong and patriouc
We countena,ce no covert policies. no
intrigues, no secret schemes. we are
unrescrvedly.. devotedly. whole nea III
rallying point for all Americans: That
Ia my position. | stand for the unflincn-
Ing maintenance OF all American rights
we have had a clear and definite
mission as a great neutral nation. ~
was Tor us to maintain the lntegrty Oh
international law; to wndicate ,, 0ur
| rights as neutrals; to protect the nVes
Of our citizens, their properly and trade
| from wrongful acts.
Putting aside any question as 70 the
| highest possibilities OF moral ieauersnlp
the law Of nations In connection with
the European war, at least we are en-
titled to the safeguarding OF AmericaIh
| rights. But this has not been securs
OF notes. but despite our protests the
lives of Americans have been destroyed.
| What does II avail to use some OF the
strongest words known to diplomacy =,
| Ambassadors can receive the impression
that the words are not to be taken seri-
I ously? 1t Is not words but the strength
and resolution behind the words tha'
count. =
The chief function OF diplomacy IL
prevention; but In this our diplomacy
failed, doubtless because OF It's impaired
credit and the manifest lack OF disposi,
ton to back words with action. Had
this Government by the use OF both In
formal and formal diplomatic opportunl,
ties left no doubt that when we sa1c
"strict accountability we meant pre-
cisely what We said. and that we shouie
am confident that there would have
been no destruction of American ive'
by the sinking of the Lusltania.
There we have ample notice; In TACT
published notice. Furthermore, we knew
the situation and we did not require
specific notice.
Instead OF whiting away our forma
| statements by equivocal conversations
we needed the straight; direct. and dec,
mat and foreign office would under
stand. I believe that In this way w
should have been spared the repeated
assaults on American lives.
would have been strongly supported 3!
our people and the opportunities for tn
/ development of bitter feeling woul'
have been vastly reduced.
Resoluteness Would
Not Have Caused War.
1t is n great mistake to say that reso
. luteness in protecting American right
. would have led to war. Rather In tn
course lay the best assurance Of peace
Weakness and indecison In the main
tenance Of known rights are Away
3 sources Of great danger: they forfeit re
r spect and invite serious wrongs. whtc
in turn create an uncomfortable popula
!! resentment.
That is not the path OF national sc
e curity. Not only have we n host OF re
E | sources short OF war by which to en-
a force our just demands, but we sha
never promote our peace by pein
q stronger in words than in deds.
I We should not have fou9d II difhcul
r to maintain peace. but we shouid nav
o maintained peace with honor, Durin
= this critical period the only danger q
r war has lain in the weak course OF IN
Administration. a.
= do not put life and property on th
= same footing, but the Administrative
I has not only been remiss with respe'
to the protection of American lives.
! has been remiss with respect TO tr
= protection OF American property an
Q American commerce. 1t has been &c
d much disposed to be content VIII
d leisurely discussion,
= cannot now undertake to revie
i the course of events, but II 10 entirel
: clear that we lied to use the r,
i sources at our Command to prevei
Injurious action. and that We SUITE
n ed in consequence. We have no u
II terror purposes, and the Administer
o ton should have known how to secul
= the entire protection Of every legit
p mate American interest and u
e prompt recognition OF our just d.
a ma nds as q neutral nation.