The Washington herald., 1917-01-26
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.

civilized states have agreed. II It did not
suit its interests.
Upon that principle little Servia was
served with an ultimatum that demanded
the surrender, of her Independence; and
upon her failure to comply to the utter
most she was overwhelmed. Upon that
principle little Belgium that had no
quarrel with anybody, was served with
demand that she surrender her inde-
pendent rights as neutral and violate
her solemn agreements to preserve her
neutrality. And upon her refusal to sur
render her rights and violate her faith.
she was overwhelmed. and that principle
is stiI maintained and asserted to be
right.
UphoIds Monroe Doctrine.
1--WE stand here with the Monroe doc
trine against the push and sweep of that
mighty world tendency Of national eyo-
luton to progress under the principle
that neither faith of treaties nor obliga-
ton of law nor rule of morality should
stand In the way of a state that finds
IT to its interest to take what 1t wants for
its national interest. How long will the
Monroe doctrine be worth the paper 1t
was written on in 1923 II that condition
is to go on?
Suppose the result of this war Is such
that these foreign influences that have
helped preserve the Monroe doctrine dis
appear, and we are not ready to defend
IT." he asked. The Monroe doctrine will
be worthless. What will it mean IL a
foreign naval power, a real naval power,
a real military power, obtains naval
base IN the Caribbean, or in those Islands
of the Pacific on Panama? Our interest
in the Panama Canal will be as worth
less to US as the Bosphorus is to Russia
today.
And instead Of having what we have
spent-about four hundred millions-to
accomplish, the means of transferring
our navy from ocean to ocean, our navy
will be shut up again on one side or the
other of the continent. And then we will
have to live as poor peaceable France
has lived for the last forty years, with
a sentinel always on the lookout for an
approaching foe. Then the fancied Sc
curity and sweet. comfortable ease Of
our people will be replaced by alarms
and rumors OF war and attack upon oc-
casion. For the Monroe doctrine was
based upon sound wisdom, and the aban-
donment of 1t or the destruction of It
will be the end of our security"
Thayer, of Harvard, Speaks.
Mr.. Root was the last speaker at the
afternoon meeting of the Congress, which
was uciu at lHt NllldTu- Inc evening
session was held in Continental Memorial
Hall. where Mrs. William Cumming Story
introduced Senator George sutherland. Of
Utah, as chairman.
William Roscoe Thayer. of Harvard
University, the first speaker, with the
topic. Americas International Rela-
tlons," said that autocrats might tear up
scraps of paper on which the moral law
was written, but the law would remain
unscathed. He warned against the seduc-
tons Of comfort, money-making and lux
ury for the evasion OF moral obligations
and proofs of national prosperity. Wealth.
he said, would not help US; but on the
contrary. would add incentive for repac-
ity Of predatory powers. These predatory
powers lay their plans forty years ahead
establishing a religion to sanctify their
project. They bend science and invention,
industry and education, he said, to make
everything ready. They name their an
fient trade Of highwaymen patriotism
Walter Mccoy, a delegate to the con-
gress from an association OF Spanish War
Veterans. created some CONSERVATION in
D. A R Hail during the speeches last
night when he threatened to go into
the meeting and protest against alleged
criticisms OF President Wilson. Mr.. Nc
Coy had heard the speeches from the
gallery and became so aroused that he
decided to defend the President on the
main floor. Other delegates dissuaded
him from his purpose.