New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-16

udI OOSIo AONlllAS W SAN WV AA'N-
lectual exertion Of translating a
sham sentimentality into unctuous
phrases.
Mr.. Wilson has talked on occasions
about freeing American commerce
and industry, so that they may in
wade and capture the markets OF
Latin America. With that purpose
as a pretext he worried Congress
into passing the s5O,OO0,O0O ship
purchase bill. Every intelligent
American knows, however, that COM
MERGE with the undeveloped coun-
tries of Latin America can be built
up only by a liberal investment OF
American capital in those countries
and by the creation Of banking and
exchange facilities. Yet under the
policy which he has adopted in deal
ing with Mexico the President has
stigmatized Americans investing cap
ital there as adventures" and trou-
bic makers-men who deserve no
protection or consideration at the
hands Of their own government
Jubilantly defending this outlaw"
theory, Mr.. Charles w. Eliot wrote
in "The Atlantic" for October;
America has now turned its back
on the familiar policy Of Rome and
Great Britain of protecting or
avenging their wandering citizens
by force Of arms, and has set up
quite a different policy Of her own.
But if Americans investing in IN
developed countries are not to be
protected In rights guaranteed 70
them by treaty, what chance can
thew have competing in those coun-
tries with the citizens and subjects
Of other nations which have not yet
foolishly abandoned "the familiar
policy of Rome and Great BritainT
Here again a shallow sentimentality
has eaten into and corrupted the ira
ditions Of genuine Americanism.
Mr.. Wilson prides himself on be-
ing a prophet of democracy. But he
is false prophet. He believes that
democracy can accomplish what 1t
conceives TO be its mission simply
through the magic Of words. lie
feels that merely by talking about
our fitness TO lead the world in the
Service Of humanity" we can con-
vince other nations that we are en-
titled to that leadership, notwlth-
standing the fact that other nations
have proved themselves to be more
highly nationalized, better organized
more capable of sacrifices and Tar
more efficient than we are to-day.
Mr.. Wilson fatters our vices. His
teaching is therefore an evil service
10 democracy. A democracy must
save itself not by words, but by
works. 1t must become strong
united. self-disciplined, courageous
and clear-sighted-fully able to care
for its own people and their interests
before It attempts to set itself up
as a pattern to other nations-as
leader in international AFFAIRS
World prestige is not to be won by
Juggling phrases on the stump or on
the Chautauqua platform. 1t can
come to US only through labor and
suffering, through clear and long
continued demonstration Of fitness 10
lead-not through self-praise, but
through the worlds frank recogni-
ton of the merit Of what America
stands for and what she has achieved
To what is shoddy and fabby IN
current Americanism Mr.. Wilson
undoubtedly does appeal. But his
ideas and policies are absolutely re-
pugnant TO all that has been vital In
Americanism since this nation was
established. They cannot now be
condoned and Endorsed by the coun-
try without wrecking what little OF
reputation we have left abroad
without putting in jeopardy the mis-
sion which is ours as the American
power in whose hands lies the future
NJ tho two Western continents.