Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-04-27

flag is 80 dlshonored and no citizenship
so little worth the claiming in Mexico
as ours. And that is why we have
failed In Mexico.
Policy Of "WatehfuI Waiting"
Incredible as 1t seems, Huerta had
been turned out by the assistance of
the American government without any
guarantees from the men who were tc
be set up In his place, and so the muir
dering and burning and ravishing have
gone on to this day After Huerta
had fallen and the Vera Cruz expedi-
ton had been withdrawn President
Wilson announced that no one was
entitled to interfere In the affairs OF
Mexico; that she was entitled to settle
them herself. He disclaims all re-
sponsibility for what happens in Mex
leo and contents himself with a pol
icy of watchful waiting. And 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 the inhuman brutes
with whom 1t made common cause.
When we turn to the administra-
TONS conduct of foreign affairs Incl
dent to the great war in Europe we
cannot fail to perceive that there Is
much dissatisfaction among Ameri-
cans. Dissatisfaction is not In itself
ground for condemnation. The stu
alton created by the war has been diff
cult and trying. Much Of the CORE
spondence of the state department,
especially since Mr.. Lansing took
charge, has been characterized by ac-
curate learning and skillful statement
of specific American rights.
Three Errors In European Policy.
A study Of the administrations pol
icy toward Europe since July, 1914.
reveals three fundamental errors: First,
the lack of foresight to make timely
provision for backing up American d.
plomacy by actual or assured military
and naval force; second, the forfeit
ture Of the worlds respect for our as
sertion of rights by pursuing the policy
of making threabrsS1d failing to make
them good; third, loss Of the moral
forces of the civilized world through
failure to truly interpret to the world
the spirit of the American democracy
in its attitude toward the terrible
events which accompanied the early
stages Of the war.
First, as to power:
When the war in Europe began, free,
peaceable little Switzerland instantly
modified upon her frontier a great
army of trained citizen soldiers. Stur-
dy little Holland did the same, and
both have kept their territory and their
independence inviolate.
Great, peaceable America was farther
removed from the conflict, but her
trade and her citizens Travelled on ev-
cry sea. Ordinary knowledge of Eu-
ropean affairs made it plain that the
war was begun not by accident, but
with purpose which would not soon be
relinquished. Ordinary knowledge OF
military events made it plain from the
moment when the tide of German inva-
sion turned from the battle of the
Marne that the conflict was certain to
be long and desperate. Ordinary knowl-
edge of history-of our own history
during the Napoleonic wars-made II
plain that In that conflict neutral rights
would be worthless unless powerfully
maintained.
The Democratic government at Wash
ington did not see It, Others saw it,
and their opinions found voice. Mr..
Gardner urged it, Mr.. Lodge urged 1t,
Mr.. Stimson urged it, Mr.. Roosevelt
urged 1t, but their argument and ur-
gency were ascribed to political mo-
tives, and the president described them
with a sneer as nervous and excited.
Wilson Has Shifted Ground.
But the warning voices would not be
stilled. The opinion that we ought no
longer to remain defenseless became
public opinion. Its expression grew
more general and insistent, and finally
the president. not leading, but follow
ing, has shifted his ground, has revers-
ed his position and asks the country to
prepare against war. God grant that
he be not too late. But the Democrat
ic party has not shifted its ground. A
large part of its members in congress
are endeavoring now to sidetrack the
movement for national preparedness,
to muddle it by amendment and turn
it into channels which will produce the
least possible result in the increase OF
national power Of defense. What
sense of effectiveness I'm this effort can
we gather from the presence of Jose
plus Daniels at the most critical post
Of all-the head of the navy depart
ment-when we see that where
preparation has been possible it has
not been made, when We see that con
struction OF warships already author
lied has not been pressed and in some
cases after long delay has not ever
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