Page:Frank David Ely -Why defend the nation? Sound Americanism... (1924).pdf/29

Rh that our Constitution is based on the English and Dutch torms; but a careful study of the history of the times together with the actual product achieved, and the comparison of this, clause by clause, with the several constitutions in effect among the Colonies, refute such claims.

With the best of good will toward all peoples we hold no jealousy of their possessions or achievements, but glory with them in their successes; and we harbor no desire for aggrandizement. We want only what we win in commerce and business under rules that are fair to all nations; and as opposed to aggrandizement we stand ready to buy and pay for those other material things which excite in us, either nationally or as individuals, the desire for ownership, and which are open for purchase.

From the side lines in city and town, from the workshop and the farm, we have observed the effects of foreign diplomacy, listened to the smooth words of foreign representatives and to their inspired echoes from domestic stool-pigeons, and deplored much that has been apparent, and later proved, falsity. We are impressed with the fact that, though we possess influence, we have little real control, moral or other, over the motives or ambitions of foreign powers. We have always shown good faith and have exercised great patience; and because of our excessive good nature and forbearance and our national trait of listening to the very last word from those of our countrymen who “don’t believe it is loaded” we have been forced to shed the blood of our sons to prevent the unholy disruption of whole peoples, including our own. We can nowhere see in the attitude of the rest of the world any absolute safety for ourselves other than in our own inherent strength. We have observed the steady narrowing of the oceans, our former safeguards, but safeguards no longer. We desire, in common with all nations, and as right and essential to growth and welfare, the freedom of commerce with all the world, and we deny the rights of special privileges which bar us from equal opportunity and a fair share therein. We believe in competition in trade, based openly on values and fairness, and in the right of nations to protect what is actually