The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-02-16
Root Interprets Meaning of Re-
publican Victory.
Scores "FIabby Sentiment of
Es Wilson Policies.
is CAMPAIGN KEYNOTE SPEECH
In Light of Belgium, Peace
Talk Idle Patter.
National Safety and Monroe
Doctrine Are Assured.

d. New York. Feb. 16.-That the
greatest handicap which the Demo-
Gratis will have to overcome in the ap-
preaching presidential campaign VIII
be the unpopularity of the foreign pol
lev of the Wilson administration-its
"rabby sentiment and the making of
threats that never are carried out
was emphasized last night by Elihu
Root. in his keynote speech" before
the New York Republican convention.
The first part of Mr.. Roots speech.
which was devoted to a consideration
of the tariff and economic conditions,
was received in comparative silence
When he opened an attack on Presi-
dent Wilson's Mexican policy he was
Interrupted with applause repeatedly.
The first prolonged outburst OF
cheering came when Mr.. Root turn
ing to European affairs, denounced
the presidents policy as one of max
ing threats" and failing to make them
good. Mr.. Root denounced the failure
of the United States government to
protest against the invasion of Bel
GUM.
eff the public opinion of the world"
he said. was to remain silent ana
neutral upon that, then all talk about
a peace and Justice in international law
and the rights of man. the progress
: or humanity and of the spread of lib
erty, is idle patter-mere weak SEN
timentality."
.A Make some Promises.
~ Mr.. Root devoted considerable of
his speech to assurance of what the
people can expect in case a Republic
can president succeeds Wilson.
But what are the people to expect
if the Republican party is restored to
power?" he asked, then answered,
This much we can say now:
They may expect with confidence
that their government will meet the
economic situation with which we
must deal imm ediately upon the close
of the var. with policy OF moderate
but adequate protection to American
industry, based upon ascertained and
established facts. and inspired by SYM
pathy with all honest American enter
Y4pfise and a desire for the prosperity
and happiness of Americans of every
calling and in every state.
They may expect that the govern
ment will be administered with the
honesty and efficiency which have
marked Republican administrations in
eitie past, in the interest of no section
or class, but for the interest of the
nation a whole and in every part.
They may expect that the best pos
sible course for the preservation of
peace will be followed by a foreign
policy which, with courtesy and friend
y illness to all nations, is frank and fear
Tess and honest in its assertion of
American rights, and leaves no doubt
anywhere IN the world or Americas
purpose and courage to protect and
defend her independence. her territory
p. and the lives and just rights of her
citizens under the law of nations
G. O. p. Loves Peace But.
They may expect that their govern
ment will stand for full and adequate
Il preparation by the American people
for their own defense. The Republi-
can party loves peace and hates war;
lt abhors and will never submit to
4
of men who love our country and who
deem that the independence, the lib
rsrerty. the honor and the opportunity
Of the American democracy are not
+ merely to be talked about with weak
and flabby sentiment, but are to be
maintained and safeguarded by the
apra cttcal power of a virile and pa
s triotic people 1t is clear sighted
enough to see that preparation for de-
tense must have due relation to the
possibilities Of attack; that under the
conditions. Of modern warfare much
prepa ration must be made before a
nossible attack, or all preparation will
H be impossible after the attack.
For Patriotic Duty.
I Tho Republican party stands for a
citizenship made competent by train
ing to perform the freeman's duty of
defense for his country. 1t stands for
a regular army, no larger than is
necessary, but as large as is necessary
to serve as a first line, a nucleus,
source OF instruction and of admin
istration for the army of American
#citizens who may be called upon to
defend their country. And the Re-
publican party stands for the gospel
Of patriotic service to our country by
every citizen according to his ability
in. peace and in war 1t stands for
re-awakening of American patriotism
lit is not content that while the people
Of other lands are rendering the last
full measure of devotion in sacrifice
and suffering and dying for their
countries, America shall remain alone
dull to the call of country and salts
fled in the comforts and pleasures of
prosperity
They may expect that assured read
mess for defense will give power to our
diplomacy in the maintenance of
peace.
They may expect that the power and
will of a united people to defend their
country will prevent the application TO
our peaceful and prosperous land of
the hateful doctrine that among ma
lions might makes right, regardless of
the rules of justice and humanity.
They may expect that the manifest
potential strength and competency of
the nation will maintain the effective
ness and reality of that great policy OF
national safety which in the declara-
ton of President Monroe forbade the
destruction of our security by the es
adjustment Of hostile military powers
in our neighborhood.