New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1920-10-08
SPOKESMAN OF THE NATION

The sentiments expressed by SEN
ator Hard ng in his recent interview
with a correspondent of the London
Post, are such as would be expressed
by him in discussing the relat ons
of the United States toward any
other nation. As reported by the
London Post, Harding's policy in a
few words, will be be a policy OF
America First" protection of Amerr
can interests, foster ng and develop
ing of American commerce, an
American merchant marine, and
recognition that the first duty OF an
American President and his Govern
ment is to America.
This is not a policy of exclusive
ness or isolation. 1t is not a policy
OF antaqonism. Tha CORRESPONDENT
of the London paper finds N it moth
inc 70 which Fnoland could take
exception. In fact he admits that #
IS an expression of a policy which
Ergl-nd herself has ALWAYS main
tained-that of looking after The
interests Of the British Empire first.
Senator Harding voiced the oninion
that following the war thsre will be
keen commercial rivalry between
Great Br tain and the United States
particularly in the effort to promote
trade with South America Suck
rivalry in the past has not interfered
with amicable relations betwe n the
United States and Great Britain. In
that rivalrv Great Britain has been
the ctor largely due to her polic1'
Of encouraging a me chant marine.
1t IS lc''oved that ind r the new Re
oub'icsl -olicv OF agora ssively pro-
noting tie Shipping interests of the
United States there is a strono nros-
nert hat the United States will gain
The ascendencv II trade with the
South American ReDub'ics. II III 5
shall be Nh outcome there viii be
no more occasion for antipathv be-
tween the Uni ed States and. Great
Britain than there has been when
Great Britain was the successful
competitor.
In his interview with tn British
journalist Senator Harding gave as
surance that he had no hostile feel.
ings toward England and that the
rivalry which he anticiptes will be
conducted in an honorable and fair
amer This goes almost w thout
saying, for in all its relations with
other nations the United States has
been fair and honorable and has
been actuated by the most neighbour
~ of feelings. America has no de-
sire to destroy the business interests
OF other nations; she VII merely
look after her own. If the United
States shall enact a tariff law which
grants a reduction in duties on
goods imported in American ships,
or if commercial treaties are abro-
gated where the other parties to the
treaty discr inmate against Ameri-
can shipping,, such action will not
be for the purpose OF injuring any
other country but for the sole pur-
pose OF protecting Am srican rights
ard promoting American interests.
II the United States shan insis: Gpca
a more strict enforcement of inn
migration laws either with regard to
japanese OF the people Of any other
country, such policy will not be the
expression OF national antipathy but
will be based solely upon the neces-
SHY for protection of Amer can pro-
duccrs from competit on demonstrate
ed to be destructive.
Il would have been easy for Sena-
tor Harding to make an adroit bid
for that vote in America which is
particularly sympathetic with Great
Britain. He could on other occa-
sions make a special b d for the vote
which for one reason or another still
retains some measure of affection
for some other mother country.
Nothing of that kind is found in his
interview. He asks for no mans
vote because of interest IN any oths r
country than the United States. His
position is one that commands the
warmest commentator and one
which will bring him no embarass-
mcnt after he shall have been elect
ed President of the United States.
His pledge to be for America First"
WI not in the least interfere with
his dealings in a most liberal manner
with every other nation in conduct
inI his part in the foreign affairs of
the Unfed States. He VII be the
spck sman of a nation VIII oh DC
cupies an equal station" and not a
subordinate position among the ma
fions Of the earth.