, 1922-11-27
Pershing's Warning

WHAT the man, who came closest to European
w conditions and viewpoint, of all Americans,
tragedy, General Pershing, thinks Of the situation
is of interest 10 the people of this country. And
in his address before the National Civic Fedora
1ion he reveals his innermcst thoughts unhamp-
cred by official rules or orders or fear OF com
~plicating relations with other governments, which
things all good military officers observe in time
OF war and delicate relationships. Hc speaks ms
an American citizens. lie emphasized the wisdom
of Americas remaining free from foreign entangle.
ments and stressed the necessity of the recOnsecra-
ton of all citizens to American ideals and Ameri-
Sun institutions General Pershing denounced the
docu~ine of internationalism which is being preach,
ed by so many in this country and voiced the warn
ing that If this nation is to remain a strong and
vigorous representative government the priceless
heritage of American nationalism' must be main
tanned at all hazards.
General Pershing's observations followed his re-
view of conditions in Europe and Asia. He called
attention 10 the fact that the Near East has been
IN continuous warfare since 1914. This is newt.
able because it is the crossroads of three cont.
Sents, the point where the Orient and occident
meet. At his point the diverse races and conflict.
ing religions of civilization, as well as prejudice
and hatreds handed down for thousands of years,
meet and inevitably clash General Pershing said
"rhe developments which have taken place in the
Near East sufficiently indicate the danger which
America runs of becoming involved in the tangled
meshes of this racial, religious and political situa-
ton"
Again, in central Europe, General Persfing said,
as the result of fiscal and political conditions
growing out of the war Their is bankruptcy, dis
indignation and minor armed conflicts. All Europe
is in Il ferment. II was Mt this point that General
Pershing gave his warning that the United States
should remain free from these quarrels and wars
His language was as follows:
"If L have considered it pertinent to indicate
that we cannot regard with Indifference develop
ments taking place around these great storm cen.
ters, 1 have done so only with a view of %emphasiz
ing the close attention which they should receive
that we may clearly understand the issues at stake
and thus avoid entanglements adverse to our OWL
peaceful purposes. We can be assured against such
fVwn1xrnon+ an1r S1rnunh - nIanr nao1nfnr.-,-1 49,
our own part of our own national aims, the devel
opment of truly American ideals and through
strong and courageous leadership.
Here at home we must so shape and direct ouf
national life that we cannot become a battle-ground
for conflicting foreign interests, nor an objective
for the infiltration of disintegrating propaganda
that might ultimately disrupt our social fabric
and destroy the hope of maintaining our national
unit. While 1 have faith that such things cannot
happen, we must ever be watchful and alert
against such a possibility.
"As in the World War we declined to allow our
army to lose its identity or to be submerged in the
commands of other nations, so should We now re.
sist all efforts to have our strength and influence
used for Interior purposes foreign to cur own
ideals. As we then insisted upon one American
front under the American flag, so should we now
insist in world affairs that all Americas strength
be consecrated to service under the will of our own
citizens and for the maintenance of our concep-
ton of American destiny.
"But it is often difficult TO determine the will of
our citizens. Local issues too often fill the minds
of our representatives in official positions and of
our own people to the exclusion of both national
and international problems. Strange theories and
panaceas have been suggested to the confusion of
the public mind. The doctrine of international.
ism has found far too many advocates in our midst
and not alone among those who come to us with
Interior purpose, but among many of our own peo-
pie. It is in opposition to fallacious theories that
threatens our national life that Thoughtful men are
bound by the closest ties.
"While eagerly wishing to associate ourselves
IN any clear understanding to promote peace and
good relations with every other nation, it is vital
that we always maintain the priceless heritage of
American nationalism, guaranteed by our fore.
fathers when they framed the constitution, and for
which so many of our countrymen have fought and
died. If we are to-keep the faith of our fathers We
cannot rest secure alone in the certainty that the
hearts Of the nation is sound. for security depends