Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-21

with hot resentment from other coun-
tries ana cause humiliating embarrass-
ment without our own. The Magdalena
Bay incident, so vivid in our recollec-
ton, With the Lodge resolution still
fresh In our memories, affords another
instance OF what might occur if we
really accepted the jurisdiction of this
court. MEXICO has full power over her
own territory. If she saw fit to trans
fer bay, with contiguous territory, to
another country, no international law
(if there be such thing) forbids. But
with a doctrine peculiarly ours we
served solemn notice that such a trans
fer the United States would not tolerate.
Examples of our policies different
from those abroad could be multiplied
indefinitely. It is as true today as
when Washington wrote that Europe
has set of primary interests which to
us have none or very remote relation"
We have a set of primary interests all
our own, some of which unfortunately
greatly concern Europe, and which Eu-
rope deeply resents.
Joining a court, partly political in
character, would be the most likely
course to intensity that resentment.
The so-called World Court fails be-
cause it Is not a world court or a court
at all. It was deliberately made a part
of the League of Nations, and extrane-
GUS political groups control its destiniesE
Through advisory opinions, it responds
to the dictation of Old World diplomats
and negatives its presumed judicial
character. Its advocates in this coun-
try are the League of Nations enthu-
siasts. 1t was Mr.. Root and Mr.. Hoover,
with others, who in 1920 told the
American people in substance to vote for
Mr.. Harding as the means of having
America join the League. They were
wrong then: but If they have since re-
oanted their opinion of the League and
their desire to have the United States
part of it, the American people have
not been taken into their confidence.
The present Secretary of State enter
tanned the same view. He now advises
most strongly that we join the court.
In our diplomacy we have a fatal IA
Cility for backing the wrong horse; and
our recent experiences with Brazil and
in other directions might at least teach
us to be wary of official diplomatic adj
vice.
WashingtOn's Policy Urged.
This is an era of myth and mis-
nomerS. Not the least of these Is the
League Court. In the sacred name of
peace, timid and weak legislators can
be frightened or cajoled into any ill
considered policy which is demanded
by organized wealth or power. The sole
defense of our country is the common
sense and considered Judgment of the
people themselves. Under a definite and
distinct national policy, we have reach
ed our present pre-eminence and our
national greatness. The policy first de-
clared by Washington was enunciated,
not for a day, but for all time. Jefferson,
Adams, Monroe emphasized that policy.
1t was reiterated by Polk, Grant, Cleve-
land and Roosevelt. In the Senate, cur
beloved Senator Knox of Pennsylvania
stood in the front rank of those who
met the assault of our day. And since
our birth as Nation, the attack upon
the course which. until now, the Re-
public has followed. has been repealed by
the American people. why quit our
own to stand upon foreign ground?
Why, by Intervening our destiny with
that of any part of Europe, entangle
our peace and prosperity in the tolls of
European ambition, rivalship, interest,
humor or caprice?" With our first
President, the effort was made, and his
firmnesS and courage kept us on our
chosen path. The assault from without
upon our definite national policy was
as vigorous and as specious in 1920 as
in 1920. At every possible interval be-
tween, the endeavor has been renewed,
sometimes in honeyed phrases and
often in blunt demands; but ever before
us has been the admonition of our first
President, and preserved inviolate has
been the policy he inaugurated. And
now again, when the Creator has be-
slowed an unrivaled greatness upon our
Nation, comes from those who represent
us, the assault which in days past has
come from those without our borders.
1.-THE insidiouS wiles" bid us perpetuate
misnomer and embrace a myth. The
first false step means our undoing. join
ing the court means ultimate member
ship in the League; and then, God help
us we'll be subject to Old World diplo-
macy and in the maelstrom of European
politics. Play our part in the world?
Yes. Contribute our mite to peace and
good understanding? Yes. But do it in
our way, under cur methods, with
American leadership and guidance, pur-
suing our own unhampered course, al
ways with justice, fairness, amity and
generosity to all nations, but preserv-
ing inviolate our own cherished policy.