The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1922-01-12
When Weak We We're BruUe

powerful people In the world and the conduct OF the
Government of fathers representing people who were
weak in numbers and resources but powerful in pride and
courage.
Just about years ago the Spanish Colonies Of Central
and South America, having followed the example of tho
thirteen American colonies and declared their independence
Of SPAIN and having that independence by valor in
arms and wisdom in counsel threatened with the
newal Of the Spanish yoke backed by the power of the
great reaconary nations like Russia Austria and Prussia
which had combined to destroy every outcroppng of liberty
and democracy that could be found in the world
England had used these nations to destroy France which,
under the stimulus of the French Revolution, had
powerful and threatening rival to British commercial
and imperial extensions She had accomplished her object
and unwilling to a rival in Alexander OF
Russia set up in the place of Napoleon.
Therefore when these powerful and victorious military
nations told Spain that they would aid her to her
colonies Great Britain believing that the independence Of
the Spanish colonies meant to her than their restora
ton to the power of SPAIN looked askance at the proposed
reconquest of the infant South American republics.
But though it question Of commerce with Great
Britain it question of life and death with the United
States. To permit powerful military nation to get
foohod the American continents to bring Euro
pean intrigue and diplomacy and quarres and imperialism
to the very threshold of the United States
We weak physically in those days. Our settlements
scattered thnly along the Atlantic Coast The wilder
still within sight of harbors and the warwhoop
of the Indians could still be heard in the forests
Did under these circumstances ask the aid of Great
Britain repe the powerful military monarchies of Eu
ropei Did ask Great Britain to form defensive
offensive alliance with to protect the American CONT
nents from European militarsm and imperialism and
monarchism and feudalismi
Decidedly not. We stood feet Our President
Monroe proclaimed the Monroe Doctrine that America
for Americans and that European nation should
tend it's power further on this continent.
That declaration had back Of it the feeble physical
ctr of
spirit and the powerful merchant marine whose
tall rakng spars in every harbor of the world
enged the admiration of the world ships that could be
armed instantly fought with the cunning OF masters OF
seamanshi2.
| We asked no alliance. We accepted the aid of Great
Britain only far Great Britain the particular
cason was willing to give it. We asked for no under
standing in advance for assistance which did not jump
with the interest of Great Britain, and made agree
part to recprocae with Great Britain in
aid which she chose to give We kept skirts absolutely
clean of any diplomatic intrigue, any enanglng alliances
any embarrassing understandings, any mortgages
future conduct Our spirit and clipper ships
sole reliance
Now observe the contrast. Today are acknowledged
the powerful nation of the world in population wealth.
prestige and organization
We have certain rights and interests in the Pacific Ocean,
but do not feel capable of protecting them alone
Our tmid Government feels obliged to entangle with
the VIGOROUSLY mperialstc and military nations Of
the world with understandings and alliances to protect
few remote islands in the Pacific
Read the terms Of the treaty which Government
proposes to make in defiance Of the advice Of Washington
defiance of every American precedent in defiance of
ancient policy and Of clear interests in defiance of the
overwhelming decision made by American people at the last
election when they rpudated the League Of Nations and
any entanging alliances provided in that covenant.
| Paragraph two of this treaty says:
T the rights referred to above threatened by the
aggressive action of any other Power the four allied
Powers are to communicate with each other to arrive
at an understanding to the most efficient measures
to be taken jointly and separately to meet the stua
ton"