If she had
been told, SO THAT THERE WAS NO MISTAKING OUR MEANING, that she
would have us against her as well, then it might have been her
part to hesitate, and finally put back her sword.
Roosevelt supported the President at first, in his policy of
neutrality, supposing him to have some special information. He
supported him with hesitation, and with qualifications however,
pointing out that neutrality is no proud position, and has many
disadvantages. Perhaps he had some inklings of the danger to the
country when our foreign affairs are managed by pacifists.
Certainly America had noticed the grim fact that a Government
which forever talked about peace had in actual practice, shed more
blood in a few hours at Vera Cruz than had been spilled in all the
seven years while Roosevelt was President. Moreover, this blood
was shed uselessly; no object whatever having been gained by it.
It is impossible to understand Roosevelt; it is impossible to get
any idea of what he did during his term of office; it is
impossible to learn anything from his career, unless we contrast
him and his beliefs and actions with the conduct of our Government
during the Great War. An object lesson of the most illuminating
sort is afforded by this contrast, and we may make up our minds
about the wisest paths to be followed in the future if we notice
what Roosevelt said and did at this time, how far and how wisely
his counsel was accepted or rejected.
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