Important, Felicitous and Deplorable
"Important," "Felicitous" and "Deplorable."—Francesco Crispi, Italy's great statesman, has this to say in the San Francisco Examiner of June 18:— "The participation of the United States in the disarmament conference at The Hague, a gathering planned by the powers of Europe, is a most important phenomenon in modern history. That the grand union of North America was among the principle nations asked to help bring about an era of peace is, on the one hand, felicitous, on the other, deplorable. For until now the United States fostered no imperialistic ambitions, sought no conquests, and not having instigated international wars, did not feel called upon to make any restitution." To state it briefly, Mr. Crispi thinks "felicitous" the presence of United States at the Peace Conference, and "propitious," because on friendly terms with nearly all European powers, but "important" and "deplorable," because it means that the only power which stood aloof from the war and strife of the world, is now to be reckoned "in nearly all future international questions." The recent conquests of this country "inspire the fear that all European nations will finally be driven from their transatlantic colonies." And, of course, this arouses an animosity toward America. Once this government stood as a beacon light to the world, guiding the nations from the wilderness of medieval darkness and tyranny—religious and civil—to the "new order of ages," inaugurated by Roger Williams, and carried grandly forward by Jefferson, Adams, Washington, Lincoln, and their compatriots. Now the glorious republic is turning back to the old order of ages, to medieval principles and methods, and is arousing the jealousy and hatred of the nations. She can win them no longer by her noble principles of equality and liberty; she must cajole and deceive and purchase by diplomacy or terrify by force. It is "deplorable" to this nation and to the world. But it is only fulfilling the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation.