Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-07-17
LET Us CONSIDER AMERICA.


It is to be noted that the presidents
discussion when addressing the SEN
ate was entirely devoted to the needs
of Europe for a directing league of
nations. He was seemingly so en-
| crossed with the problems of the
eastern hemisphere that he gave no
attention to the domestic concerns OF
! America.
No doubt it is Americas duty to
succor the rest of the world, to guar
antee enduring peace, to do her share
in seeing that the peace settlement
is effective and not a scrap of paper.
But how far does that duty go?
Ought America. in playing that
noble role, to forget her own inter-
ests, abandon in any degree her own
principles, part with any jot of her
own sovereignty?
The matters of controversy with
reference to the covenant, in its APP
plication to purely American affairs,
the president did not even remotely
touch upon in his address, He is said
to have done so in discussions with
the democratic leaders. called by him
to the White House.
The president pointed out that
Americas role in the great war was
very different from that of the Eu-
ropean belligerents. She fought for
no new territory, to repel no inva-
sion. According to the president she
went to France as a crusader to res
cue civilization. as the crusaders of a
thousand years ago went to the Holy
Land to rescue the sepulcher of the
Savior from the hands of the infidels.
She asks no Indemnity now, no re-
ward save enduring peace ana world
wide justice.
When the president asked congress
to declare a state of war with Ger
many, he then said: 1--WE will not
choose the path of submission and
suffer the most sacred rights of our
nation and our people to be ignored
and violated He further said: 81
advise that the congress declare the
recent course of the imperial German
government to be in fact nothing less
than war against the government and
people of the United States"
1t was not a crusade then, but de-
fensive war where the rights and the
honor of this nation had been wan
tOnly attacked. This country never
would have submitted to a draft of
her young men for the defense of any
European country. The draft was
only justified as defensive measure.
But does the president appreciate
the implications of the difference be-
tween Americas role and those of
France and England?
While defending ourselves. we have
been able to rescue Europe, to aid in
settling her affairs, but do we want
Europe's interference in the New
World? If the league of nations could
act in the case of Mexico, for example,
that would be in effect an intarfer.
ence of Europe in our concerns.
We want to be very sure that. the
covenant does not permit the Euro
pean camel to get its head inside our
tent. That is why Mr.. Roots reserva-
tons commend themselves to think
ing Americans.
When we sign the treaty let us
make sure that the signature cannot
be misinterpreted. Let us make sure
that American rights and institutions
are protected. While we are crusad-
ing for civilization, while we are help
ing make the world safe for democ-
racy, let us not fail to guard our own
democracy, our own freedom.
One or two reservations will not
destroy the instrument.