Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1916-05-02

menus Ol OtHeT COuftiIcs WcIc 40 HibH
minded and honorable as VIC were
supposed to be. II has been fondly
imagined that an appeal to abstract
principles or right and Justice would
be recognized In the dealings between
nations Mr.. Wilson has taken a very
high stand for international morality
and has expected the ruling powers
OF other countries to meet him or
the same plane. This Is where he has
erred IL Is not discreditable to the
mans motives and Intentions that he
has been disappointed in this expec-
tatlon, but 1t does show II lack OF
statcsmanlike judgment and "a blind
ness to the LESSONS OF history. Govern
ments as rule are not moved by
high moral motives or disnteresteG
ness of purpose, and any appearance
OF such motives Is looked upon as "A
cover for some ulterior selfish design.
Self-intercst Is the first thing that APP
pcals TO them and they do not under
stand or have any faith in any other
platform. As "A nation we were ridi-
culed and distrusted when We freed
Cuba from Spain and gave her home
rule. IT was "A new principle in world
Politics and still remains puzzle 10
the European diplomat.
No matter how high our motives or
what fine sense of abstract right and
wrong We cultivate, whene.er We 20
to deal with international affairs we
NUT get down on n level where they
can meet and understand us. Nipo-
leon had the right idea wncn he pre-
faced his diplomatic demands by a
display Cf force, for force is the only
morality that nations understand and
recognize. The Wilson plan gives us
the opposite extreme OF using every
possible intellectual and moral appeal
and giving our opponent credit for en-
tire honesty and sincerity, leaving the
use or display OF force as the last re
sort. The results Of this method, az
has always been the case in history,
SNOW that it is fruitful only in defeat
Ing its own object, for the opponen,
takes it for granted that VIC are weak
and cowardiy and takes advantage OF
our politoncss to further his own ends
The most convincing argument, and
the one that makes for space and good
Will among nations, is first to convince
the other fellow that you can back up
ana Will back up what you say. If he
Is convinced of your earnestncss and
your ability to enforce your demands,
he Is going to give your arguments q
respectful attention and is much more
likely to achieve a peaceful agree
ment than If he thinks he can impose
on you with impunity From an aca-
demic standpoint the moral correct
ness of the Wilson view cannot be
doubted. but from a standpoint OF
practical utility it is a failure. We
have TO deal with people as we find
them-not as we think they ought to
be-and the surest and most effective
moral influence is to convince them
that their own best interests will be
served by coming to your position.
Had Mr.. Wilson, III either his deal
ings with Mexico or the European
powers, shown a bold front at the
start and insisted on American rights
being respected or taking the conse-
uuonces, it would have been the bes,
way to insure peace, for there would
not have been as much likelihood foi
war as there is now as the result OF
his conciliatory and long -sufferin,
policy. Some people, and some ma
argument or persuasion as they ar,
by u good stiff upper lip" The,
understand that attitude and, II il ha!
any adequate backing. they respec
it; but they do not respect an appea
to conscience or regard for tn
rights of other men. In dealing wit
this world, no matter how anxious W
are to he just and merciful, we mus
bear in l.i.d that we have to do busi
ness with people as they are, not a
thpN Inf tD hn WhnnANnr no
comes otherwise we may look for th
millennium.