Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-03-01
IOWA CONGRESSMAN GIVES
TWELVE REASONS AGAINST AL.
LANCE WITH OTHER NATIONS.
IF Y. s. MUST FIGHT,
DO so INDEPENDENTLY
Fears Loss Of independence Thru En-
tansIing Alliances With European
Governments-Must Do Our Own
Thinking and May Have to Declare
War Against Great Britain in End.

Washington, March /. - That the
United States government should not
become an ally of any other country in
setting any International disagree
ment into which it might be forCef:
was the suggestion made TO the house
of representatives by Congressman
Burton E. Sweet. Of the Third Iowa
district, in discussing future diplo-
matte relations.
The Iowa congressman pointed out
twelve reasons why America should
stand alone. If II becomes necessary
TO have trouble or war with any Euro
pean power" he counseled, let the
United States government settle that
trouble or wage that war without the
aid or consent of any other nation
upon the face Of the globe.
Mr.. Sweet expressed the ferven;
hope that this country would not be
drawn into the European war
States His Reasons.
In explaining his reasons why the
United States should stand alone,
Congressman Sweet declared:
Because it means that we can al
march shoulder to shoulder in a com
mon cause.
Because for over 100 years our ma
ton has held supreme position on the
western continent.
Because we, as a free people. can
not afford 10 ally ourselves with Great
Britain, France, Italy, Russia or ia
pan, and thus make their cause our
cause and their grievances our griey-
ances.
Because we. as a republic. can not
afford TO ally ourselves with the mon
arches Of Europe, whose civilization
has been constructed upon a wrong
basis and which has irresistably led
to one Of the most terrible conflicts OF
all ages.
Lose Independent Action.
Because We can not afford to lose
our independence OF thought and &C
ton in order 10 gain seat at the
council table when peace Is finally de-
clared. We can not afford to assume
the obligations that may be imposed
when the boundary lines of the nations
Of Europe are marked out and the in
the nations of Europe TO dictate to us.
Because we can not afford to sub
NIT our great resources, our illimit-
able wealth, and the flower Of our
manhood TO the keeping. dictates and
domination Of Great Britain, France.
Italy and Russia.
Because we can not afford to form
entangling alliances from the stand
point Of the present, nor from the
viewpoint of the not far distant future
| The struggle across the sea Is like a
mighty whirlpool. 1t is easier to Be
drawn IN than ii is TO get out after We
are once In.
we can not afford 10 jeopardize the
great principles of civil and religious
liberty for which our forefathers
fought and died 10 establish on this
continent.
Kings Would Dictate.
I'VE can not afford to allow Great
Britain or any other of the allied pow
ers 10 do our thinking, conduct our
negotiations, officer our armies, and
command our forces on a foreign field
we can not afford TO furnish mil
lions Of men and illimitaOle treasure
to Great Britain Wnen We renem ef
that in the hour Of dire extremity,
when the life Of the nation and per
petuity Of free Institutions on this con-
tinent hung IN the balance she gave
aid and succor 10 those who sought to
destroy il.
We can not allow our military
forces-the sons of freemen-to land
upon a foreign shore and be subject
to the orders and dictates Of kings.
Because It may be necessary for Us
to declare war against Greet Britain
as we'll as Germany: for has not Great
Britain repeatedly violated the rules OF
international law applicable to neutral
nations, pilfered our mails, intercepted
our cargoes bound to neutral ports, de-
stroyed our commerce and interfered
with our freedom of the seas?"