The Daily Alaska empire., 1939-02-16
Peace by Precept
lCleveland Plain Dealerl


 American foreign policy in these troublous days, needs to be compounded of equal parts of realism and dealism. If the right proportion of either IS omitted one is likely to get foggy and hence dan- gerous picture of his countrys relations to world af fairs
 Herbert Hoover addressing the council of foreign relations at Chicago is fearful that the Roosevelt policies as unfolded piecemeal in presidential stae- ments is leading the United States toward the peril of war The former Chief Executive thinks his suc- cessor puts too much emphasist the expansion of American arms and too little reliance moral armor and leadership.
 "Tosave this civilization says MT Hoover there must be changed attitude of men Our country landing apart can make contribution of transcen- dent service in holding aloft the banner of moral relationships"
 This is fine rhetoric but exactly what does it mean in a world dominated in large and increasing areas by men who think like Hitler and Mussolini?
 Does any believe for a moment that these European dictators will be frightened or even im- pressed the least degree by the figure of America 5000 miles across the seas holding "aloft banner with moral precept?
 Most Americans are likely to agree with Hoover hat their countrys policy of defense should not be tnged with hysteria but ought be based on needs estimated in calmness of spirit with every known factor given it's proper weight One such factor tainly is the width of the two great which separate us from tumultuous lands.
 Most will agree too, that should have consis- tent foreign policy changeless changing condi- tions permit and one that has no secrecy about it War being affair of whole peoples, those who must bear the brunt of it if it comes entitled, to the largest possible participation plans to prevent it's coming.
 So far go with Herbert Hoover It must be admitted however, that facts stubborn things dictators little amenable to moral reasoning and raising aloft banner is not likely to prevent war restore ravaged territory to its outraged
 When the highways of earth swarm with armed men, the man of peace goes armed or stays inside If he chooses to remain indoors he at least barricades the entrances, He does not trust banner to keep the enemy away.
 Equally dangerous to peace is the attitude of policy to from war; and that of who would insist on brandishing club to others into decent behavior Somewhere between the two extremes there must be a middle ground where men may stand who believe Americas place is in America, not Europe who have great fear that Europe will infringe these shores but who still insist that this country shall stand always and firmly on the side of the worlds democ- racies.
 MT Roosevelt seeks this middle ground. With the cooperation of Congress and the understanding ap- proval of his countrymen he proposes methods and measures of defense he believes adequate but not provocative And if blundering neutrality statute stands in the way of sensible program, the law and not the program must be changed.
 Above all else, Americans cannot afford to put their trust in banners raised aloft to point a moral lesson For the moment at least the world pays little heed to sandwich men