Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1925-02-20
"AMERICA FIRST"

"The American First" slogan of
some jingoists, while capable of evil
use, is not bad provided America is
first in the right things" said Rev.
Kenneth r. Close is his sermon Sun
day morning at Plymouth Church.
America should be first not mere
ly in matters material but in the
things of the spirit-firSt not merely
in science, invention, and Skyscrapers,
but in ideals, principles and character
Our material supremacy, wealth, and
efficiency in organization are unques-
toned, but do we use our mechanical
knowledge for worthy ends. In the
World War, science was used to snuff
out twenty millions lives-a use of
doubtful spiritual value. Unless we
learn to use things material for the
betterment of life, then our machin-
cry will be as dangerous as a razor
in the hands of a baby.
America should be first not in ex-
acting the pound of flesh, but in glad
ly aiding stricken world, in the spir-
it of the Good Samaritan. Our rights
will take care of themselves if we do
our duty. America always does her
duty when she sees it. We have faith
that she will not fail this time.
America should be first not in iso-
lation but in Christlike cooperation.
President Coolidge, Charles Hughes
and other eminent statesmen have
abandoned the isolationist policy and
started America on the road to CO.
operation. That is splendid, but we
ought to be leading instead of tagging
with Turkey, Mexico and Russia.
america should be first not in
racial pride and discrimination but in
fair play. We have done much for
peoples Of other races, but there is
still too much discrimination, social
ostracism and denial of opportunity.
The wonder is that foreigners and the
negroes have made as good a record
as they have in view Of their lack of
opportunities. The japanese exclu-
sion section Of the immigration Act
is an instance of racial disdain tha
lost us the friendship of Japan and
will mean war unless friendship is re-
stored.
America should be first in leader
ship for peace. In spite of President
Harding's appeal two years ago. and
President Coolidge's repeated appeals
we are still outside the World Court
Instead of tagging, America should
lead IN substituting law and peaceful
methods of settling disputes for war.
America should be first in fight
ing for the outlawry of war. War is
a suicidal folly and moral crime. but
it is still legal as duelling and slavery
once were. 1t should be outlawed bv
world action.
America should glorify not war
but peace. The theatres and school
texts portray the tinsel and show of
war. But war is anything but dress
parade: We revere the high ideals of
our soldiers, but we know that war
itself is a beastly business. We do
not glorify the individual who smears
himself with his brothers blood: in
stead we glorify courts, law and or
DER. Similarity we should exalt the
World Court, international law and
order, the peaceful settlement of dis
putes, and condemn war for what #
ls-an unnecessary reversion to saw
agery.
America should be first in leader
snip Tor disarmament, as it was in the
washington Conference. Peace is
possible today as never before. When
the Revolution, Civil War and World
War were fought, there was no organ
lzatlon for settling disputes peace
fully and with justice. There seem
ed no way but war; But five wears
ago international anarchy ceased
with the birth of the organized co.
operation of the nations. If we throw
our. power with international organi- |
Z4f10n cOnI.tc nrI low
possible. VIII 'o
America should be first not in
treading again the old worn bloody !
pathway which ends inevitably in
disaster, but in blazing a new trail
along which other nations will follow
TO the new Jerusalem where wars
shall be no more. 'i
D., Some day some nation must take
That path-unless we are to lanse
once again into utter barbarismw
America. "N'0'eu
And so with this hope and in these
purposes, | say with ali my heart and
soul, America First"