The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1920-01-14
UNFORTUNATE
TREATY DEBATE
Secretary of Commerce Alex.
ander Sorry That Matter
Has Become Political
Question
ESPECIALLY JUST Nc
United States Has Assumed
Responsibility in Foreign Affai
Which Cannot be
ignored.
ESPECIALLY JUST NC

! L
NEW YORK, Jan. 14.--"At a time
when there is acute need In Europe
| for stabilization, political and eco
nomic, it is very unfortunate that the
peace treaty should be made the sub
ject of political debate in this coun-
try" ]. w. Alexander, secretary OF
commerce. declared in a speech before
the American Manufacturers Export
association here today.
"The investment of American pri-
vate capital in foreign countries, 1t is
fair to state, is being delayed by the
world political situation. If the peace
treaty were ratified and the league Of
nations in operation, American inves-
tors would have greater confidence IN
putting their money into foreign
securities.
"The United States has assumed a
moral responsibility in foreign af-
fairs which cannot be ignored. The
future of American industry and COM
merce moreover, is dependent upon
more active participation in foreign
affairs than ever before. This is a
question appertaining not only to the
bankers and exporters, but to all
classes Of American industry, to all
kinds of American labor.
American products which enter
into our export trade come from
every section of the country, compris-
ing foodstuffs, raw materials and
manufactured products. The pros
perity of the United States demands
that there should be an adequate out
let for the surplus production. What
ever the views and fnclinations of
various men in favor Of keeping out
of foreign affairs, We must recognize
that we are committed to foreign rela-
tions, both politically and economi-
caIly, which we cannot to our profit
escape
when it comes to business recon-
struction in European countries, 1t is
only fair to state that this will have
to be approached with a full recognt-
tion of the fact that American inter-
ests must be carefully protected. Such
assistance as the United States gives
must be on business basis. Foreign
securities must be sold to American
investors. Thesecurity must be un-
questionable.
1T is impossible to face the question
of loans to Sputh American or to any
far east without bearing clearly In
mind that the crux of the whole world
situation is today in Europe. At this
time when various nations are so
closely knit together in commerce and
finance. serious difficulties in. one
vital part Of the world affect other
parts. a
During the year 1919 American ex-
porters faced severe difficulties in
their foreign trade, such ,
as import restrictions, depreciation in I
and changes in industrial !
conditions abroad In spite Of these
however, the figures show
that 1919 was one Of unusual pros.
perity as measured by the volume of
export trade. There are some fears
IN various quarters that the tide may
turn and that the favorable position !
secured by this country in foreign
.rade will receive a serious check. Il,
There is no serious ground for this
fear providing a vigorous construc.
i've policy is followed looking to tho
and development of our ,
shipping over seas. !
I'VE are today standing at critical !
period in our national history. Are we .
going to grasp the opportunities which /
are before us or are we going to with !
iraw to ourselves and close our eyes
% the new position which is before
is? I have no fears on this score. We
ire going forward to meet our new !
and opportunities in
he energetic, enthusiastic spirit Of
American enterprise