te case does actually arise. One of our
cardinal doctrines is freedom of speech, which means freedom of speech
about foreigners as well as about ourselves; and, inasmuch as we
exercise this right with complete absence of restraint, we cannot expect
other nations to hold us harmless unless in the last resort we are
able to make our own words good by our deeds. One class of our citizens
indulges in gushing promises to do everything for foreigners, another
class offensively and improperly reviles them; and it is hard to say
which class more thoroughly misrepresents the sober, self-respecting
judgment of the American people as a whole. The only safe rule is to
promise little, and faithfully to keep every promise; to "speak softly
and carry a big stick."

A prime need for our nation, as of course for every other nation, is
to make up its mind definitely what it wishes, and not to try to pursue
paths of conduct incompatible one with the other. If this nation is
content to be the China of the New World, then and then only can it
afford to do away with the navy and the army. If it is content to
abandon Hawaii and the Panama Canal, to cease to talk of the Monroe
Doctrine, and to admit the right of any European or Asiatic power to
dictate what immigrants shall be sent to and received in America,
and whether or not they shall be allowed to become citizens and hold
land--why, of course, if America is content to have nothing to say
on any of these matters and to keep silent in the presence of armed
outsiders, then it can abandon its navy and agree to arbitrate all
questions of all kinds with every foreign power. In such event it can
afford to pass its spare time in one continuous round of universal
peace celebrations, and of smug self-satisfaction in having earned the
derision of all the virile peoples of mankind. Those who advocate such
a policy do not occupy a lofty position. But at least their position is
understandable.

It is entirely inexcusable, however, to try to combine the unready hand
with the unbridled tongue. It is folly to permit freedom of speech about
foreigners as well as ourselves--and the peace-at-any-price persons are
much too feeble a folk to try to interfere with freedom of speech--and
yet to try to shirk the consequences of freedom of speech. It is folly
to try to abolish our navy, and at the same time to insist that we have
a right to enforce the Monroe Doctrine, that we have a right to control
the Panama C