Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 3 (of 7) — John Shaqi
Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 3 (of 7)Roosevelt, Theodore
History
Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 3 (of 7)
Roosevelt, Theodore
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919; United States -- Politics and government -- 1901-1909
Do our opponents object to the settlement of the Alaska boundary
line? Do they object to the fact that after freeing Cuba we gave her
reciprocal trade advantages with the United States, while at the same
time keeping naval stations in the island and providing against its
sinking into chaos, or being conquered by any foreign Power? Do they
object to the fact that our flag now flies over Porto Rico? Do they
object to the acquisition of Hawaii? Once they “hauled down” our flag
there; we have hoisted it again; do they intend once more to haul it
down? Do they object to the part we played in China? Do they not know
that the voice of the United States would now count for nothing in the
Far East if we had abandoned the Philippines and refused to do what
was done in China? Do they object to the fact that this Government
secured a peaceful settlement of the troubles in Venezuela two years
ago? Do they object to the presence of the ship-of-war off Colon when
the revolution broke out in Panama, and when only the presence of
this ship saved the lives of American citizens, and prevented insult
to the flag? Do they object to the fact that American warships
appeared promptly at the port of Beirut when an effort had been made
to assassinate an American official, and in the port of Tangier when
an American citizen had been abducted? and that in each case the wrong
complained of was righted and expiated? and that within the last few
days the visit of an American squadron to Smyrna was followed by
the long-delayed concession of their just rights to those Americans
concerned in educational work in Turkey? Do they object to the trade
treaty with China, so full of advantage for the American people in the
future? Do they object to the fact that the ships carrying the national
flag now have a higher standard than ever before in marksmanship
and in seamanship, as individual units and as component parts of
squadrons and fleets? If they object to any or all of these things,
we join issue with them. Our foreign policy has been not only highly
advantageous to the United States, but hardly less advantageous to the
world as a whole. Peace and goodwill have followed in its footsteps.
The Government has shown itself no less anxious to respect the rights
of others than insistent that the rights of Americans be respected
in return. As for the Navy, it has been and is now the most potent
guarantee of peace; and it is such chiefly because it is formidable,
and ready for use.
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