Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-05-30
Taft Warns j. ).
ToAvoid Aping
Europe'sIdeaIs
Memorial Day Speaker
Hits Modification of
individual Freedom
pictures on Page BIZ

Amphitheater, said the United
States need not initiate European
ideals. or substitute for individual
freedom any paternal direction from
Washington" in solving economic
problems.
Il do not share the fear often
expressed" Senator Taft remarked
that Communism and Fascism are
threatening to replace the American
Republican form of Government,
but the principles of those isms' are
being studiously spread to modify
individual freedom and opportunity
and Americanism as we have known
It,"
He warned against foreign entan-
clements and cited the example of
the World War as the futility of
taking part in European conflicts.
I'VE cannot" he said, hope to
cure the situation in Europe pro-
duced by the crowding into a small
continent of scores of hostile races"
Nearly 1000 in Parade.
Senator Taft gave the principal
address at the ceremonies at Airing
ton Amphitheater, one of the fea-
lures of Memorial Day services here.
Earlier, nearly 1000 soldiers, sailors,
marines and civilians marched down
Constitution avenue under bright
sun as the annual Memorial Day
parade was resumed after lapse of
three years.
Senator Taft spoke against sub
shutting "alien panaceas of pure
ly socialistic nature" for industry
and thrift and proper recognition
Of ability"
Let us not initiate the European
idea of dividing the whole country
into classes" he continued, land
trying to divide rights and privi-
leges between those classes.
"All over the world even the
rights of individual freedom are
rapidly being encroached upon. In
many countries they have disap-
peared.
The very basis on which Amer
icanism has been built is being
destroyed in Europe and the propa-
ganda which is destroying it is
spreading into the United States"
Warns Against Modification.
Senator Taft. warning against "a
CONSTANT effort to modify our in
situations In way which is in
consistent with their basic prin-
ciples." said people of this country
must not take their heritage for
granted.
May Memorial Day remind us
of the sacrifices which have been
made in the past" he declared.
May it impress us with the posi-
bility of danger in the future. and
may it urge us on to fight ag-
gressively for the retention of Amer
lean ideals and the American way
Of life
remain out of war and mot remain
entirely aloof from other nations"
ITO avoid war" he continued, cit
Is not necessary to ignore the other
nations of the world. We can be
friendly to all. We can constantly
urge peace upon them, and do what
we can to assist that peace. But we
cannot well impose embargoes to
starve them into submission. We
can not interfere in their internal
affairs, or tell them what kind of
government they can have unless
We are prepared to join in a world
conflict"
Doubts Threats of Attack.
He suggested adequate defense
against actual attack. but added:
Il cannot see the slightest ground
for the fear that any foreign ma
ton is likely to attack U.S."
The fact this country is pre-
pared to defend itself, the Senator
said, decreases the likelihood of
attack.
He said the United States is not
entirely prepared, however, against
propaganda which might drag the
country into foreign war.
I'VE are still subject to the danger
OF martial enthusiasm, which in our
sober moments we would reject" he
remarked. Our high schools and
colleges are filled with young men
and boys who do not remember the
horror of the last war as you do.
1t is our responsibility to teach
them the sound principles of Amer
icanisr and lead their footsteps in
the paths of peace.
1T is our job to make our own
system work. 1t is our job to pre-
serve Americanism, and make it's
example so outstanding that it will
command the respect of the people
Of other nations.
Prom the sacrifices of those
whom we honor today, we have
learned the Importance of carrying
on the American tradition that they
have so nobly preserved. 81. +"
Flags flew at half staff from Gov
eminent buildings along the Avenue,
and crowds who lined the thorough
fare kept reverent silence as the
parade moved along to the muffled
roll of the drum and the subdued
notes of the bugle.
The parade required about half
an hour to pass the reviewing stand
ct Sixteenth street. There it was
witnessed by high officials of the
Army, Navy and Marine Corps, three
veterans of the Civil War and rep
sesentative civilians.
Among those in the viewing stand
were Brig. Gen Albert L. Cox, COM
mander OF the District National
Guard, and grand marshal of the
parade; Brig. Gen. Maxwell Murray,
representing the Army; Admiral
John Downes, representing the
Navy, and the reviewing officer, En-
Eineer Commissioner David Nc
Coach, Jr, and Brig. Gen. E. A.
Ostermann, representing the Marine
Corps.
After passing the reviewing stand
the various units broke IN most
OF them to participate in further
Memorial Day services at Arlington
p National Cemetery and other places
in the city.