New-York tribune., 1920-01-02
Borah Starts
To Make Treaty
Campaign Issue
Continued from, page J.

coming campaign is the individual view:
issues.
"For nearly hundred and fifty
years we have In this country, regard
less of parties, adhered to a distinct
Iorelgn policy--no entangling alliances
or partnerships with foreign powers
and no interference by foreign powers
In American affairs. Under this policy
we have grown to our present COM
| manding position in the world of
affairs
IF you should be nominated and
elected President and sit in the place
OF Washington and jefferson, of Jack
son and Lincoln, all of whom earnestly
and consistently sustained this policy,
would you exert your influence and
the influence of your Administration to
maintain this foreign policy or would
you consent in any way to it's aban-
i donment or its substantial modifica-
tion?
DO you believe, in other words, that
the time has come when we should
abandon the policy OF no entangling
alliances, no partnerships with Euro
pean powers, and enter into alliances
CT understandings with European
powers
II ask these questions because. re-
gard'ess of what may or may not be
IN the platforms the next Administra-
ton will have to meet this issue in
different ways. 1t might be possible to
AVOID 1t in a campaign, although the
outlook for that is not promising; but
1T will not be possible to avoid it dur
ing the next Administration.
Secret Agreements Feared
Powerful forces In this country, CO.
operating with equally powerful and
persistent forces in Europe, are deter
mined to draw the United States into
association and partnership with Euro
pean powers, to embroil us in all Euro
pean turmois and conflicts, to utilize
our young men in policing the terri
tories and fighting the racial and dy-
nastic battles of the Old World, and
placing upon our taxpayers the bur-
den of the financial and economic life
OF both Europe and Asia, and these
forces will continue their efforts to
bring about these things after the
election. If they cannot do it one way
they will do it in another.
If they cannot succeed by open
agreement they will endeavor to sue
ceed by secret or tacit agreements.
We, many of us, feel, therefore, that
we would like to know what your views
are upon this problem and what it will
be your purpose to do should you be
honored by an election as President.
Points to War in Russia
"May not give you an illustration.
A short time ago the bodies of 116
American boys we're brought back from
the frozen regions Of Russia, where
they had died from disease and in
battle. Last week we were further
advised by the press that 200 wounded
American soldiers had arrived at
Vladivostok and were in the hospital
and lily cared for.
1--WE are not at war with Russia.
The American people do not want to
carry on war with Russia. All these
things are being done in violation Of
the Constitution of the United States
Tithout any authority OF Congress and
against the wishes of the American
people. These things are being done
because the representatives Of five
great nations, including the United
States, sitting in secret in Versailles,
decided for secret reasons to do them.
No American father or mother whose
boys are being thus sacrificed is per-
mitted to know why the sacrifice is
being made.
"inis is but an intimation of what is
to happen should we conclude to aban
don our traditional foreign policy and
enter INTO understandings and com
blnatlons which would embroil US in
all European conflicts and turmoils
Our young men would be asked to
sacrifice their lives in just such secret
and unconscionable affairs as this in
Eussls. And Mr.. Taft, as / understand
from his public statement, is in favor
II necessary, of conscripting our Young
men for that kind of service.
what Is To BE Your PoIicy?"
Are you in favor of any such policy
or Of any alliance, league or partner
snip which may lead to such pro-
gram What is to be your policy with
regard to such affairs?
LESS important, but not unim-
Eortant, is the fact that into this Rus
s'aA turmoil We nave poured several
hundred million dollars Of the none
OF al already over-taxcd people, and
millions more are to be used in the
same way. Under this new departure
called into the service Of these foreign
situations, and if we are to judge
the future by the past, in absolute
violation of the most fundamental
principles Of the American Republic.
II think you will agree with me,
therefore, that these are matters upon
which the people are entitled to a
candid and open statement as to the
attitude of every man who aspires to
the high. Office of President | do not
assume for moment, indeed, knowing
you as l do, could not assume, that
upon so vital question you should
desire for any reason to remain silent
II wish to say further that those
tor whom speak. and | particularly,
have no intention OF confnng these