The call of the North. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1923-1924, 1923-12-05
Reynold E. Blight

newly established republics OF South
America and had appointed diplo-
matte representatives to their gov
ernments. Thereby the young repub-
lie Of the North fairly and squarely
aligned herself with the lusty young
democracies of the South.
For moment let US glance at con-
ditions in the United States. All was
not well. Internally the people were
not united. On questions Of foreign
policy nation was split asunder. One
group demanded that the government
cease all connections with or interest
in foreign affairs, self-suficient let
the nation carve out its destiny with
out any outside entanglements. The
other party, seeing the popular insti-
tutions of the newly created republics
pleaded that the United
States throw the weight of her in
fuence and force on the side Of re-
against the Vaccinations
Of European autocracies.
Foreign relations were in a danger
Gus condition. Russia disputed the
right Of the United States to posses
sion Of Oregon, the fabulously rich
territory recently explored by Lewis
and Clark, and extended her claim Of
sovereignty over the Mexican prov
ince of California, establishing an
outpost as, far south as Fort Bodega,
a few miles north of San Francisco
Bay. With inconceivable arrogance
the Tsar made claim to Bering Sea,
the subjects Of all other
nations to approach within hundred
miles of the Pacific Coast, thus max
ing the north Pacific Russian lake.
Spain acting with France had
sought to prevent the expansion Of
the United States beyond the Allie
ghanies. Even after the ceding of the
vast territory of Louisiana. to France
by the treaty of San Ildefonso in
1900, Spain continued to act with
France in preventing the natural and
inevitable development of American
authority and influence. SPANS at
titude was particularly offensive and
America was compelled to occupy
West Florida in 1912 and again in
1918.
And back of all these diplomatic
collisions doomed the sinister shadow
Of the Holy Alliance, with it's avowed
purpose Of crushing liberal ideas,
overthrowing the new republics and
again political institu-
lions based upon the divine right Of
kings.
The Holy Alliance
It was not mere euphemism that
The Alliance was called Holy. 1t had
an authentic religious character.
While it included the King of Prussia,
\ confessed Protestant Monarch, it
was dominated by the Tsar, the head
Of the autocratic Greek Orthodox
and with the Emperor Of
Austria, the most Catholic of all
Catholic sovereigns, stood by the
King of Spain, who held his crown BY
the grace of the Pope, and all the pet
~ kings and princelings yielding &C.
obedience to Rome. The
whole enterprise was conducted with
the open approval, sanction and sup
port Of the Vatican.
In all ages, monarchial despotism
and ecclesiastical authority have gone
hand in hand. Whether it be King
John of England defying his barons
and repudiating his solemn pledges in
Magma Charta, or Alexander, Fred
erick and Metternich scheming to
dam the swellin gtides Of popular
government in the early part Of the
century, the cloudy diplo-
macy Of the Vatican has ever been on
the side of autocracy and oppression
This then was Americas situation.
Torn by domestic discord, surrounded
by bitter and rapacious enemies men-
sced by a powerful diplomatic COM
bination made holy by papal blessing,
the questions arose: what was her
duty with regard to the sacred prin-
ciples Of righteousness and democra-
cy committed to her care; what was
her duty with relation to the strug-
Cling republics to the south piteously
for succor and moral sup
port; what attitude should she take
toward the powerful nations and in
terests allied against her; where
should she find friends in the mighty
conflict impending?
While Europe was being rocked
with the Napoleonic wars, and the up
heavals that followed in their train,
and events Of far-reaching influence
had taken place on the American con-
tinent, changes almost revolutionary
had transpired in England. The old
German-speaking autocrat, King
George III was dead, as were Lord
North and all the other Georgian min
listers whose stubborn imbecility had
cost the British Empire the fairest
jewel in the crown. Gradually the
spirit Of the government had become
broad, liberal and humanitarian.
Castereagh, reactionary and insu-
lar, had given place to George Can
ming in 1922 as British Foreign Min
lister. Canning was statesman Of
most liberal sympathies and far-see-
ing vision. With keen precedence he
discerned the trend Of events and saw