Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-02-22
CONDITIONS HAVE CHANGED

One Of the traditions established by the founders OF
the United States concerns the consistent holding aloof
from European affairs. following the grave warning Of
George Washington who emphasized this not only in his
farewell address, but also in his attitude to the French
rcvolutionists who sought to persuade the new American
republic to come to their aid.
Washington gave excellent reasons for not wanting
tic be mixed up in any International difficulties. One
was that the United States was as yet in a convalescent
state, and the other that the country was too provincial
to be in a position. to make her influence of any real con-
sequence.
During the last two or three years we have heard
plenty of illusions to the stand of George Washington;
his view has been quoted by some as an eternally effect
i've precedent and a most solemnly irrevocable pact with
the American people. At his time his policy was flaw
less; the facts were as he saw them. and it is very likely
that had he shown less resistance the newborn country
might easily have been dragged on to some catastrophe
from which it might have been impossible to recover.
But in the twentieth century it could no longer be
said that the United States was in a convalescent state
nor-as President Wilson pointed out in his second in
augural address less than two years ago-provincial.
Times have changed and conditions are thoroughly alter
ed from what they were toward the close of the eighteenth
century.
Events shaped themselves in such a manner that it
became positively un-American to refrain from partici-
patton in European affairs. Il want an American char
acter,' declared President Washington, Ito convince the
European powers that we act for ourselves and not for
Others" That was virtually what was done during the
war between the United States and Germany: The object
was to impress upon the foe the fact that this country was
capable of defending her rights.
But even during the most critical period of the world
war America did not enter into any alliance with a group
of European powers. She associated herself with certain
nations in fighting for right and justice, but abstained
carefully from embarrassing herself by mutual and for
NAL treaties. There is at present no indication that this
wise policy will be deviated from in the future, although
there are critics Of the league of nations plan who point
out that any utilization with an international organization
of states to all intents and purposes takes the place of re-
lations as established and stipulated by treaties. The point
is debatable, at least until further light is being shed upon
time that the student of international! affairs can find no
actual similarity between the treaties entered into by GER
tain powers who have common interests to guard, and the
covenant which is destined to ultimately bind together
all nations of the world.
1t should be remembered today that the present de-
velopment of the United States in every field of human
endeavor is due first Of all to the far-seeing wisdom OF
George Washington, who himself led a just revolution
against tyranny, but who believed in the fundamental
new American world power.