The Wallace miner. [volume] (Wallace, Idaho) 1907-current, 1918-12-19
SENATOR BoRAH AND THE PRO-
POSED LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

the senate In that resolution the
Idaho senator reafiirms our adherence
to the principles laid down by the
founders of our country and which
later found expression in the adoption
of the Monroe doctrine as protec-
ton against the encroachment of for
eign influence on the western contin-
ent. This resolution was presented
for the purpose of giving expression
to the opposition Of the people of this
country to the proposed league of ma
tins TO prevent war, which Is to be
urged upon the peace conference in
Paris by President wilson. 1t Is of
course claimed by those who favor
such league that it Is justified by
the changed conditions since the days
of our fathers; that the close com
mercial relations between nations, inn
proved means of transportation, quick
communication, the expansion of bus
mess interests and the interminglins
Of the people of various nations, have
which renders necessary such an al
lance as is proposed in the league %
nations. In view of this contention,
the words of Washington In his fare
we'll address seem almost prophetic.
THE great rule of conduct for
us in regard to foreign nations Is,
In extending our commercial rela-
lions, to have with them as little
political connection as possible.
&. Europe has set of pri-
mary interests which to us have
none or very remote relation.
Hence. she must be engaged in
frequent controversies. the cause
of which are essentially foreign to
our concerns. Hence, therefore,
ii must be unwise in us to impli
cate ourselves by artificial ties in
the ordinary vicissitudes of her
politics or the ordinary combina-
tons and collisions of her friend
ships or enmities"
Following steadfastly the course
ouained by Washington, our country
has reached a position of prosperity
and Influence that is the wonder of
the world, and before the great war a
suggestion that we combine with the
nations of Europe and Asia in a lea
que to maintain peace, and thereby
abandon the policy through which our
greatness has been achieved, would
have been rejected as an abandon
ment of our most cherished ideal as
a nation. After all the talk of making
the world safe for democracy" the
fact Is that it was to make our own
particular democracy safe that finally
drew us into the war, and being in
we were glad to assist in making de-
mocracy safe in other lands, This
matter of fact view of course does not
conform to the fine idealism of the
vissionnaire now sojournng in Il mod
est improvised White House in Paris,
but we believe it fairly represents the
sentiment of the American people and
particularly that of the boys who
have gloriously made democracy safe.
In what respect has the war changed
our relations with foreign nations
that we should now consider aban-
doning our time -honored policy
through which we have realized our
highest hopes as a nation?
Senator Borah delivered notable
speech in support of his resolution
and which will be found in the Miner
next week The closing paragraph
of his address follows.
Il fully understand that we
have as a people come into
wider circle of influence and UNI
der graver responsibilities than
we have known heretofore. / ac-
knowledge in full our duty toward
the peace of the world, our deep
and vital interest in sustaining
and extending and strengthening
the domain of international law.
/ would shirk from no duty;
would meet every obligation. But
as we are brought into contact
with many nations some advane-
ed and enlightened in the ways or
free government, some FAR below
our standards and conception or
right and justice, we should new
er forget that we are Americans
Through 1t all we should cling to
our traditions. our principles and