The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1916-04-20

uuB Is 81 ulShNl4bIGtl anu no tlllLcuSulp
so little worth the claiming In Mexico
as ours. And thet IS why we have
failed in MeXico.
Policy Of "Watchful Waiting"
Incredible as it seems. Uucrta had
been turned out by the assistance of
the American government without any
guarantees from the men who were to
be set up in his place. aud so the mur
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ton had been withdrawn President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 q 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 it 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 administration pol
icy toward Europe since July. 1914,
reveals three fundamental errors: First.
the lack of foresight to make timely
provision for backing up American di
plomacy by actual or assured military
and naval force; second, the forfei
ture Of the worlds respect for our as
sertion Of rights by pursuing the policy
Of making threats and 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. AMI
both have kept their territory and their
Independence inyiolate
Great peaeeube America was farther
removed from the conflict. bat hCl
trade ana her citizens Travelled on ey
cry sea. Ordinary knowledge Of Eu
rOpean affairs made it plain that tLy
war was begun rot by accident. bur
with purpose which would rot soon hr
reiinquishpd Ordinary knowledge Of
military events iIadc it plain from tho
moment when the tide of German inv;t
sion turned from the battle Of I'll
Marne that the conflict was certain t.
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
ngtOn did not see it. Others saw it
and their opinions found voice. MIR
Gardner urged it, Mr.. Lodge urged it.
Mr. Stimson urged it, Mr.. Roosevelt
urged it. but their argument and ur
gency were ascribed to political mo
tives, and the president described then
with a sneer as nervous and excited
Wilson Has Shifted Ground.
But the warning voices would not b.
stilled. The opinion that we ought M
longer to remain defenseless became
public opinion. It's expression grew
more general and insistent, and finall!
the president, not leading, but follow
ing, has shifted his ground. has revers
ed his position and asks the country t,
prepare against war. God grant tina
he be not too late. But the Democrat
| ic party has not shifted its ground. 4
large part of its members in congress
are endeavoring now to sidetrack tn,
movement for national preparedness
to muddle it by amendment and tur1
it into channels which will produce tn,
least possible result in the increase o
national power of defense. Wha
sense of effectiveness in this effort cal
we gather from the presence of Jose
phus Daniels at the most critical pos
of all-the head Of the navy depart
preparation has been possible it ha
not been made, when We see that con
struction Of warships already author
lied has not been pressed and in SOM
cases after long delay has not evel
been begun?
If an increase of our cOuntry's powe
to defend itself against aggression l
authorized by the present congress
must be largely through Republican
votes. because all the traditions ant
convictions of that party are for ma
tional power and duty and honor.
AS to the policy of threatening word
without deeds:
When Germany gave notice of he
purpose to sink merchant vessels o.
the high seas without safeguarding tn
lives of innocent passengers our gov
ernment on the 10th of February on
year ago informed Germany in unmis
taxable terms that in attacking an,
sinking vessels of the United State
and in destroying the lives Of American
citizens lawfully travelling upon mer
chant vessels of other countries sh
would act at her peril. They pledges
the power and courage of Americs