TEXT
"League of Nations"
I am as anxious as any human being can be to have the United
States render every possible service to the civilization and the
peace of mankind. But I am certain that we can do it best by not
putting ourselves in leading strings, or subjecting our policies
and our sovereignty to other nations. The independence of the
United States is not only more precious to ourselves, but to the
world, than any single possession.
Look at the United States today. We have made mistakes in the
past; we have had shortcomings. We shall make mistakes in the
future and fall short of our own best hopes. But nonetheless, is
there any country today on the face of the earth which can compare
with this in ordered liberty, in peace, and in the largest freedom?
I feel that I can say this without being accused of undue
boastfulness, for it is a simple fact. And in taking on these
obligations, all that we do is in the spirit of unselfishness, and
it is a desire for the good of mankind. But it is well to remember
that we are dealing with nations, every one of which has a direct
individual interest to serve, and there is grave danger in an
unshared idealism. Contrast the United States with any country on
the face of the earth today and ask yourself whether the situation
of the United States is not the best to be found.
I will go as far as anyone in world service that the first
step to world service is the maintenance of the United States. You
may call me selfish if you will, conservative or reactionary, or
use any other harsh adjective you see fit to apply. But an
American I was born, an American I've remained all my life. I can
never be anything else but an American, and I must think of the
United States first. And when I think of the United States first
in an arrangement like this, I am thinking of what is best for the
world. For if the United States fails, the best hopes of mankind
fail with it. I have never had but one allegiance; I cannot
divide it now. I have loved but one flag and I cannot share that
devotion and give affection to the mongrel banner invented for a
league. Internationalism, illustrated by the Bolshevik and by the
men to whom all countries are alike, provided they can make money
out of them, is to me repulsive. National I must remain and in
that way I, like all other Americans, can render the amplest
service to the world.
The United States is the world's best hope, but if you fetter
her in the interest through quarrels of other nations, if you
tangle her in the intrigues of Europe, you will destroy her
powerful good, and endanger her very existence. Leave her to march
freely through the centuries to come, as in the years that have
gone. Strong, generous, and confident, she has nobly served
mankind. Beware how you trifle with your marvelous inheritance --
this great land of ordered liberty. For if we stumble and fall,
freedom and civilization everywhere will go down in ruin.
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