Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-10-05
FORTUNATE IN LEADERSHIP

This country is fortunate IN having
a Secretary Of State possessing the
courage and judicial mind and train
ing of Mr.. Hughes in these days OF
clamor.
For generations the American reo-
ple have regarded the Turk as a cruel
oppressor of Christian peoples. They
reioiced in the belief entertained
quite generally at the close OF the
Great War that the opportune time
had arrived for removing the talons
from bleeding Armenia, and insisting
that Turkey conine herself to Asia
of which her civilization and nature
partakes.
From our point of view it wds
reasonable hope and was INDUCED in
by many of the European peoples as
we'll. Indeed there are excellent
grounds for believing that had our
allies-they had teen at war with
Turkey while we, for such reasons
rs may be known to Mr. Wilson,
we're not-gone about the settlement
promptly and dctcrminedly this might
have been accomplished without up
setting the worlds affairs. That OPP
rortuuc moment has apparently now
rasscd. The Mohammedans of Egypt.
of Spain. Arabia and India, are united
in demanding better terms for the
Turks and the conditions are such
that England, France and Italy VIII
inevitably yield in large measure to
them
What might this country do to
compel them to act otherwise than
as they perceive it for their interest
10 act? What might we do to pro-
tect them from the consequences in
the event they complied with our
terms Are we to declare war on
Turkey? Certainly it is not the Guty
Of the administration to declare such
war; that should be left for the
people who must pay the price, to
determine. Greece is at war with
Turkey We might ally ourselves
with her, but is there anything in the
Greeks manner OF conducting affairs,
in their treatment of Turks exposed
to their ferocity, to insure the belief
that such an act could be productive
of any good in the Near East or any
where else?
Those who lightly speak Of inter-
ferng with the affairs of foreign
countries, Of becoming involved in
their prejudices and racial and re-
ligious fanatcisms, better do more
thinking before speaking. Indirect
~ We were in small way implicated
In the attempt to interfere in Russia,
the doing of which simply strength
encd the power Of the forces OF evil
which it was desired to suppress.
1t is apparent that some Of the
critics have the idea that if we would
but say: Hands off, that would he
all that is necessary. They are &C
customcd 10 words; they fight their
battles with words. Not so the
United States under the administra-
ton of Harding and Hughes. 1t is
not their habit to say things without
thought of backing their words with
deeds. and when, If ever, it comes to
that we may be assured they will
give good measure AS for what may
he said it appears that all the aprro-
pirate remarks have been made.
Just reroad what Secretary Hughes
has 10 say about that;
"On September s. before the burn
irc OF smyrna, the American High
Commissioner at Constantinople
Noi"cd this country's feeling in cam
,stly impressing upon the Turkish
-sy;!onalist authorities the impor-
t1rcc Of taking tho most energetic
steps 90 insure the population Of the
occupied territories against reprisal.
Instructions have been sent to con-
tINue and urge these representations
and 20 emphasize the Importance of
immediate peaceful settlement IN the
interest Of humanity.
Il have stated This Governments
uucuuivocal approval of the allied
proposals to insure effectively the
protection OF the Christian minuri-
tics and the freedom of the Straits.
American officials have interviewed to
secure the prolongation of the time
limit for the evacuation of the refu-
gees from Smyrna, and thousa nds
have been evacuated as a resu!: of
American initiative"
"Kcenly alive to every humanltar-
ian interest involved this Govern
mcnt has not failed in any way to
make the sentiment of the American
people understood and to take every
appropriate action. 1t is hardly
necessary to add that we have taken
proper measures for the protection
of American interests"