The Ronan pioneer. [volume] (Ronan, Mont.) 1910-1970, 1916-07-07

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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 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 &C.
curate learning and skillful statement
Of specific American rights.
Three Errors In European Policy.
A study of the administrators pol
icy toward Europe since July. 1914.
reveals three fundamental errors: First
the lack Of foresight to make timely
provision for backing up American Iii.
plomacy by actual or assured military
and naval force: second. the forfeit
| f,,ro ,R c<u
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. and
both have kept their territory and their
independence inviolate.
Great. peaceabe 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 1t 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
Marine that the conflict was certain to
be long and desperate. Ordinary knowl
edge of history-of our own history
during the Napoleonic wars-made it
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 c...nions found voice. Mr.
Gardner urged it, Mr.. Lodge urged it,
Mr.. Stimson urged it, Mr. Roosevelt
urged it. but their argument and ur
gency were ascribcd to political mo
tives. and the president described them
with a sheer 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. Rut 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 mnddle 1t 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 in 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 1t 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 even
been begun?
! If an increase of our country's power
! to defend itself against aggression Is
authorized by the present congress ii
must be largely through Republican
i votes because all the traditions and
u convictions of that party are for ma
/ tiopo1 po1yor and 1utv and honor
Il AS to the policy of threatening words
without deeds:
When Germany gave notice of he1
purpose to sink merchant vessels or
the high seas without safeguarding the
lives Of innocent passengers our gov
eminent on the 10th of February one
$ year ago Informed Germany in unmis