The Washington herald., 1917-02-04
LAUDs wAsHINGToNs ADVICE.
should BE scrup1lousIy Followed
Says Henry A. Wise wood.

Editor The Washington Herald: One
hundred and twenty years ago. Washing
ton, In his farewell message, left us the
following directions for our security.
which every American should read anew
in view of the Presidents suggestion that
We abandon our historic policy OF inde-
pendence:
''The great rule of conduct for us. in
regard to foreign nations. is, in extend
ing our commercial relations, to have
with them as little political connection
as possible. So far as we have already
formed engagements, let them be full
hlled with perfect good faith. Here let
US stop.
Europe has a set of primary interests.
which to US have none, or a very re-
mote, relation. Hence she must be en-
gagged In frequent controversies. the
causes Of which are essentially foreign
to our concerns. Hence, therefore, 1t
must be unwise in us to implicate our
selves by artificial ties, in the ordinary
Vicissitudes Of her politics, or the ordi-
nary combinations and collisions of her
friendships or enmities
Our detached and distant situation in
Vites and enables us to pursue a differ
ent course. II We remain one people
under an efficient government, the period
is not far of when we may defy material
injury from external annoyance; when
We may take such an attitude as will
cause the neutrality we may at any time
resolve upon to be scrupulously respect
ed; when belligerent nations, under the
impossibility of making acquisitions upon
us, will not lightly hazard the giving US
provocation; when we may choose peace
or war. as our interest, guided by justice.
shall counsel
why forego the advantages of as Pc
Culiar situafiopo NVby ouy, 70
stand upon foreign ground? Why, by
Intervening our destiny with that of
any part Of Europe. entangle our peace
and prosperity in the tolls of European
ambition. rivalship, interest, humor or
caprice?
1T is our duty TO steer clear Of perma-
nent alliances with any portion of the
foreign world; SO far, mean, as we are
now at liberty to do 1t; for let me not be
understood as capable OF patronizing in
fidelity TO existing engagements. hold
the maxim no less applicable to public
than to private affairs, that honesty is
always the best policy
Taking care always to keep ourselves,
by suitable establishments, on a respec-
table defensive posture, we may safely
trust 10 temporary alliances for extraor-
dinary emergencies"
Had We, under an efficient govern
meht, taken care always to keep our
selves. by suitable establishments, on a
respectable defensive posture" we could
now defy material injury from external
annoyance" and hold such an attitude as
would cause our neutrality in the present
circumstances Ito be scrupulously re-
spectcd."
Had these intunctions OF Washington
been scrupulously observed it would not
now be thought necessary by the Presi-
dent 20 force upon Europe an any-price
peace in order to save his face nor TO
rush his country into the protecting arms
of a blind pool Of war-taught European
nations in the hope that II may be spared
thereby the legitimate consequences OF
its own naval and military disintegratfon
HENRY A. WISE WOOD.
New York City.