Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 253, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 October 1920 — AU PRESIDENTS REFUTE GOV. COX [ARTICLE]

AU PRESIDENTS REFUTE GOV. COX

EACH OPPOSED TO FORMATION OF ENTANGLING ALLIANCES WITH EUROPE; • ■ » _ ’’ That America should remain free from such entangling alliances with European powers as expressed in the Wilson-British League of Nations covenant is declared over and over again by all presidents of the United States from the time of Washington. Following is a refutation by each of them of the advocacy by Governor Cox of the League without reaervafrion and an endorsement of the declaration by Senator Harding that he will stand for America first and turn his back upon the covenant: George Washington, Sept. 9, 1796. “Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence . . . the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake since history and experience prove that foreign influence is .one of the most 'baneful foes of republican government. The great rule of conduct is in extending commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible., . . . Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none or very remote relation.” John Adams, May 16, 1797.

“Although it is very true that we ought not to involve ourselves in the political system of Europe but to keep ourselves always distinct and separate from it ... yet continual information . . . is necessary in order to the discovery of the efforts made to draw us into the vortex?’

Thomas Jefferson, Oct. 17, 1803. “Equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state of persuasion, religious or political; peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none. How desirable then must it be in a government like ours to see its citizens aldopt . ... the conduct which their country should pursue, divesting themselves of those passions and partialities which tend to lessen useful friendships and to embarrass and embroil us in the calamitous scene of Europe.” . James Madison, Mar. 4, 1809. • “To cherish peace and friendly intercourse with all. nations having correspondent disposition. . . . to foster a spirit of independence. . .to exclude foreign intrigues and foreign partialities, so degrading to all countries and so baneful to free ones. . . . as far as sentiments and intentions. can aid the fullfillment of my duty, they will be a resource which can not fail me.” James Monroe, Dec. 2, 1823. ‘<Our policy in regard to Europe . . . remains the same, which is not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers. . , . We consider any attempt on their part to extend their system on any portion pf this hemisphere as(dangerous to our peace and safety. Mr. Monroe is also best known by the complete “Monroe Doctrine.” the father of our country in his farewell address, that the rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little- political connection as possible. Disclaiming alike all right and

all intention of interfering in those concerns • • *of their prosperity.” Andrew Jaekson, Dec. 4, 1832 “The uniform policy and practise of the United States m to avoid aM interference in disputes which re-1 late to the internal government of other nations Our best wishes on all occasions, and our good offices when required, will be afforded to promote the domestic tranquility and foreign peace of aU nanons course. Apy inxerveiiuou id teTUNtipW policy. M So 1840

foreign policy with which the Uni*' ted States under the guidance at its first President took its stand. ♦ ♦ ♦ A rigid and persevering abstinence from all interference with the domestic and political relations of other states—those have given our country a standing in the great family of nations of which we nave just wuse to be proud.” Wa.H Harrison, March 4, 1841 ■ “It is my intention to use every means in my power to preserve friendly intercourse with a foreign nation • ♦ ♦ that I see a guaranty that the harmony * * ♦ wifi, not be interrupted by the advancement of any claim or pretention upon their part to which our honor would not permit us to yield.” James K. Polk, Dec. 2, 1845 “It is well known to the American people and to all nations that this government has never interfered with the relations subsisting between other governments, and can not in silence permit any European interference on the North American continent.” Zachary Taylor, Doc. 4, 1849 “Having avowed the opinion on tairing the oath of office that in disputes between conflicting foreign governments it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral, I have scrupuously avoided any interference in the wars and contentions which have recently distracted Europe.’,’ Franklin Pierce, Dec. 4, 1884 “The wise theory of our government so early adopted and steadily pursued of avoiding all entangling alliances has hitherto exempted it from many complications.” * Jame* Buchanan, Aug. 30, 1845 “Separated as we are from the old world by a vast ocean and still further removed from it by the nature of our republican institutions, the march of free governments oh this continent must not be transmitted 'by the intrigues and selfish interest, of European powers” Written while Secretary of State. Abraham Lincoln, Doc. 1, 1862 “We have forborne from taking part in any controversy between foreign states, ‘but have left tb every nation the exclusive conduct and management of its own affairs.” Andrew Johnson, Dec. 4, 1865. “Our great extent of territory, variety of- x climate * * *make us singularly independent of the varying policy of foreign powers and protect us against every temptation to ‘entangling alliances' • • •