Perth Amboy evening news., 1922-09-18
AMERICAS PART

n America can take in the startling events of the world
today. Our policy of "hands off, in European affairs and
our so-called splendid isolation puts us in a position of
waiting until the damage is done and then try to comfort
and aid the victims.
There is no denying that America has done a great deal
of good by her numerous relief expeditions. She has been
a great factor in all the world affairs AFTER the affairs have
taken place. Refugees and the victims of any catastrophe
have never appealed in vain to America. In fact, America
does not wait for the appeal. Almost as soon as the news
of any horror, calamity or disaster is received preparations
are under way for the relief of the victims and the care of
the refugees. All this is highly commendable and has won
much praise and gratitude for the United States in all parts
of the world.
1t is not surprising, therefore, that as soon as news of
the outrages at Smyrna reached~Washington official action
was taken for the relief of the refugees. The Turks, true
to form, after capturing the city proceeded to burn and pill
lage accompanied by the usual outrages and slaughter of
the people. Those who survive may look to America to help
and they will not be disappointed.
But why must America, in these critical times when
the whole world is in such an upheaval, stand idly by while
the slaughter goes on, doing absolutely nothing to help pre-
vent it, but when it is all over rush in to help those who
escape?
In other words, the United States when danger is i'm
pending anywhere and there is every reason to believe that
something dreadful is going to happen, says to those who
are threatened: cts none of our business how many of
you are killed and outraged or in what manner your homes
are destroyed, but rest assured that when it is all over those
of you who live through it may depend upon us to send
help If there is any comfort to be found in that make the
most of it.
1t is a safe game that America is playing; it is even a
game from which we may get some satisfaction and receive
some praise, but is it mans game? Is America, with such
vast wealth and resources, with such knowledge and power,
justified in holding aloof while all these terrible things hap
pen and then go in and succor the survivors,?
Much of the trouble in the world today could have been
ayerted if America had played a mans part from the begin
ming. If the United States had followed up the great prestige
she attained in the war by showing the same spirit in estab-
fishing a real and lasting peace as she showed in lighting
there would be no Turkish problem today threatening to
draw the whole Christian world into another bloody
struggle.
America shirked her responsibility after peace was de-
clared. She refused to accept any mandates; she deserted
hr allies; she left Europe PROSTATE. When the whole world
was looking to America for leadership-when America was
the only country that could possibly lead the nations out Of
their misery and despair because of jealousies, rlvalrles and
ambitions of other governments, America failed.
At that time there were those who maintained that
America could stand alone; that the affairs of the Old World
were not our affairs and that it was not for us to NEEDLE in
Old World politics. This opinion prevailed and we are
roaming the result of our short-sighted policy today.
A great nation like this cannot live unto itself alone
Foreign problems are pressing themselves more ana more
upon the Harding administration. The crisis in Asia Minor
is RAPIDLY bringing things to a head. With Germany on the
verge of bankruptcy, with Soviet Russia ready to join the
Turks in sweeping over Europe and with England, France
and italy unable to agree on any definite policy and jealous
of each other, the outlook is exceedingly dark. America
cannot remain unconcerned.
By taking a firm, aggressive attitude the United States
might be able to bring the world to its senses, but it can
never be done by waiting until the damage is done and then
rushing in to help the victims. The attitude of America
must be one of stepping in to prevent the damage before 1T
can be done. The sooner we play our full part in world
affairs the sooner will something worth while be accom-
pllshed.
,.n.,r nrcn0McppII Irv