Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-09-20
Wednesday, September 20, 1922
KEEPING OUT OF FOREIGN EN-
rANGLEMENTS


1--WE cannot hold aloof now as the
price OF destruction rises without as
Stunning responsibility for conditions
that will stagger the world and set
back human progress for generations.
America, joining now with England,
Franc and Italy, in an ultimatum to
the Kemalists, would save Constanti-
nople and Europe.
This is the gist Of the message con-
tanned in the telegram sent by Dr.
lanes l.. Barton. chairman OF the
Hear East Relief and secretary OF the
American Board Of Commissioners
for Foreign Missions. to Senator
Henry Cabot Lodge Of Massachu-
sets. DR.. Barton points out that the
rights Of Americans and minorities
are in contempt and that American
investment in Turkey exceeds one
hundred million dollars, while Ameri-
can interest in maintaining civlllza-
ton IN Europe anu tHC -NS"A ASN
surpasscs computation.
Just how far the United States
should participatc in this conflict in
Europe and the Near East is ques-
ton that Is engaging the attention OF
the American press in considerable
,, measure. While all appear to agree
that the American humanitarian
work in furnishing relief to save
homeless and furnishing people,
should he carried on as far as posi-
bic. there is no such unanimity of
opinion that the United States should
engage in the conflict now brewing.
In view of the fact that the United
States is not member of the League
Of Nations, it is well argued that her
position in entering now in foreign
ontangemcnts would not be favor
able.
In this regard the Waterville
Sentinel in an editorial entitled LET
Europe Work Out Own Salvation"
saws in part:
Actually there is nearly as much
danger Of another great war in Eu-
rope now as there ever was. And all
ready on this side American trade in
forests are being discussed in view Of
the possibility of this country being
drawn in. No trade interest that
sufficient to involve America in the
miserable mess now brewing in Eu-
rope"
Another view of the situation is
taken by the Boston Herald in an
editorial under the title, Turkish
Nictory's Threat" This reads in
part:
I'VE have no praise for the allied
policy OF continuing Turkish sover-
eighty in Constantinople, even under
guard, Eut the allied policy Of main
tanning freedom Of navigation in the
straits and the EuXine is another
matter. The maintenance OF that
freedom concerns all the maritime
world. and the United States as much
as any other nation. Would it not be
well that the country that struck the
final winning blows in the world war
should let it be known that she is
with the allies and against the Turks
and the Russians in their bargaining
for control OF the Black Sea and the
Dardanelles? America can at this
moment exert a powerful influence
TO prevent the spread Of war, and to
forward the conclusion Of a treaty of
peace based on justice"
AS the situation now presents itself
1t would appear to many that there
IL no reason for the United States to
divert from the principles OF the
Monroe doctrine and that her policy
is well defined in furnishing protec
ton 10 American citizens and relief
as far as possible to the stricken peo
pie.