The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-07-10

welcomed as disinterested friends. We
were resorted to as arhiters in many
difficult matter. IL was recognized
that our material aid would be tndls-
pensahle In the days to come. when in-
dustry and credit would have to be
brought hack to their normal operation
again and communities beaten to the
ground assisted TO their feet once more.
and II was taken for granted, am
proud TO say, that we would play the
helpful friend in these things as in
all others without prejudice or favor
We were generously accepted as the
unaffected champions OF what was
right. II waa = very responsible role
to play, but | am happy TO report that
the fine group OF Americans who helped
with their expert advice In each part Of
the varied settlements sought in every
transaction to Justify the high conf
denCe repOsed in them.
And that confidence, II seems TO me,
is the measure Of our opportunity and
OF our duty In the days to come. IN
which the new hope of the peoples Of
the world is to betfulfilled or disap-
pointed, The fact that America Is the
friend OF the nations whether they be
rivals or associates, Is no new fact
1t is only the discovery of II by the
rest O; the world that is new.
"AWlrica may be said to have just
reachS her majarity as world power
~ N4M MlINel cNatllN ~ years HbO
that ~ results OF the war with Spain
put VA Unexpectedly in possession OF
rich W Ids on the other side of the
worldA I'd brought us into association
with Ter governments In control of
the W st Indies. II was regarded as a
sinistE and omniouos thing by the
statesmen Of more than one European
ohancelloly that we should have ex-
tended our power beyond the confines
Of our continental dominions, They
were accustomed to think OF new neigh
bors as new menace, Of rivals, as
watchful enemies.
There were persons amongst us at
home who looked with deep dlsapproval
and svowed anxiety on such extensions
OF our national authority over distant
islands and over peoples whom they
feared we might exploit, not serve, and
assist But we have not exploited them,
We have been their friends and have
sought TO serve them, And our domin-
ion has been a menace to no other ma
tion.
We redeemed our honor to the ut
most in our dealings with Cuba, She
Is weak, but absolutely free: and II Is
her trust in us that makes her free.
Weak peoples everywhere stand ready
to give us any authority among them
that will assure them N like friendly
oversight and direction, They know
that there Is no ground for fear In re-
oeivinR us 80 their mentors and guides,
Our isolation was ended 20 years ago,
| and now fear of US Is ended also, our
| counsel and association sought after
and desired. There can be no question
| OF our ceasing to be o. world power,
| The only question Is whether we car
/ refuse the moral leadership that 10 Of
fered us, whether we shall accept oI
| reject the confidence OF the world.
The war and the conference oi
| peace now sitting In Paris, seem to- me
have answered that question. Our po'
sltion In tho war established our posi-.
| tion among the nations ana nothing bu'
| our own mistaken action can alter II
| II was not an accident or a matter OF
| sudden choice that we are no longer
| isolated and devoted to q policy which
| has only our own interest and advan-
tage for it's object,
| ut Is our duty TO 20 in, II we wert
| indeed the champions OF liberty and O.
| right We answered the cal lof duty
| in way so spirited, no utterly with
out thought Of what we spent OF blood
| or treasure so effective, 80 worthy o
| the admiration OF true men evcrywhere
| 80 wrought out Of the stuff OF all thai
| was heroic, that the whole world saw
| at last In the flesh. In noble action, a
| great ideal asserted and vlndicated BY
n nation they had deemed material and
| now found to be compact OF the spirit.
ual forces that must free men OF ov-
| cry nation from every unworthy bond.
age, 1t Is thus that a new role and d
new responsibility have como to this
| great nation that we honor and which
we would all wish to lift to yet high.
| er levos OF service and achievement
| "The stage Is set, tho destiny Ia dis.
closed II has come about by no plar
| of our conceiving, but by the hand oi
| God who led us into this way. We car
|
ward with lifted eyes and freshened
| spirit, to follow the Vision. 1t was ol
| this that we dreamed at our birth
| America shall in truth show the way
| The light streams upon the path ahead
| and nowhere else" "