Evening star., 1941-06-01

same reason, think the speech deplorable,
or worse.
This over-simplifled reaction is as mis-
leading, and therefore as unfortunate, as
the current attempt to classify all Amer
leans as either "isolationists" or inter-
ventionists" 1t is like saying that man
kind is divided into males and females
and thinking that the statement clarifies
our infinitely complicated problem of
of mind, the present revolutionary up
heaval, and the relation of the United
States thereto, are nothing like as ele-
mentary as 3many seem to think.
Preparedness Call.
The speech of President Roosevelt on
May 27, it seems to the present writer,
was a great speech precisely because it
was not a glib answer to all the tangled
questions of the day and was not, as the
New York Times defined it, "A Call to
Action" The message was clearcut on
moral issues. But rather than a call to
action, it was a call for preparation
preparation for a national destiny much
greater than most Americans have as yet
more superficial reasons, it will undoubt-
edly take its place among the great
state papers of this country"
This prospect does not necessarily
mean that Mr. Roosevelt on Tuesday
brought the United States nearer to
active participation in the war. Whether
or not his speech did this is very ques-
tionable, perhaps also-in the last
analysis -immaterial What is unques-
tionable is the Presidents service in Civ
ing the country an inkling of the larger
role it is so clearly destined to play re-
gardless of the military outcome in
Europe.
There are three separate reasons for
the conclusion that the Presidents
speech represented American leadership
at its best, regardless of the immediate
effect, if any on the fortunes of war.
Fascist Tendencies Opposed.
The first reason for this conclusion has
already been outlined. 1t is the emphasis
which the President places on the pres
ervation of American values. Great
changes are sweeping the world and
many who consider themselves strongly
anti-Fascist are none the less beginning
to indorse the precepts and practice OF
Fascism. To this trend Mr.. Roosevelt
squarely opposes this great influence.
I'VE reassert our abiding faith in the
.f oil h.
lie ="
:. Further evidence of great leadership is
found in the call for universal effort,
real sacrifice and effective social Coop
Grafton in behalf of the general welfare.
The Government does not demand, but
truly has the right to expect OF all
citizens that they take loyal part in the
common work of our common defense"
That is the sort of appeal without
recrimination to which all may be ex-
pected to respond, in contrast to the
resentment so easily developed when one
school of opinion attempts to arrogate
to itself all the virtues, patriotism and
moral superiority.
The proclamation of unlimited ma
tional emergency" incidentally, was very
probably designed much more to en-
phasize this need for truly cooperative
effort, particularly in the field OF in
dustrial relations than to facilitate any
specific actions which may be taken
under the decree.
The third outstanding characteristic
of leadership in this speech is found IN
its pledge of definite international pur-
pose I'VE will not" said the President,
accept world. like the postwar world
of the l920s, in which the seeds Of Hit
lerism can again be planted and allowed
to grow"
In other words, America will not accept
another vindictive peace-another treaty
of Versailles.
Here and elsewhere there are overtones
in this speech which may easily have
been missed as it came over the radio.
Yet in those overtones are found much
of its promise and its persuasive appeal
to men of good will. Flaws can, of course,
be picked in this essentially human docu-
ment. They will not detract from its
unusual qualities of craftsmanship.
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