Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, JULY 4th., 1933. INDEPENDENCE OVER-DONE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 July 1933, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, JULY 4th., 1933. INDEPENDENCE OVER-DONE.

INDEPENDENCE Day is beingobserved in the United States, to-day. Former excesses in behaviour on this anniversary have been much modified, but there is much in national history since 1776. io warrant exuberance and gratification. United States’ progress is one of the world’s most thrilling stories, and Washington and his colleagues built far better than they knew. Notable contributions in men and matters have been made by Ihe Americans to the cause of humanity, and so greatly have MU 1 ional. resources and strength developed, that to-day, the United Slates rank's, in. some respects, as the leading country throughout the world.

At the Declaration of In dependence, the American colonists had the sympathy and best wishes ol every nation but England, and even in Britain, there were many who judged their own country to be in Ihe wrong. To-day, this general goodwill is non-existent, and what friendship is still felt, for United Stales comes from Britain. Mr. .1. Hayden, a leading Washington journalist, wrote last, week: “Putting it. mildly, America is a pariah among Ihe nations, sixtyfive of whom have been encouraged to believe that she will stimulate recovery, whereas her delegates have blocked all progress

yet.” This estimate is exaggerated, but there is no doubt that the United States has disappointed those who were looking to her for a policy worthy of her greatness. President Roosevelt’s explanation as to why he will not consent, to the stabilisation of currency proposals is not very convincing. It must be agreed that it were better to have a permanent scheme rather than one designed for immediate needs, but if a whole loaf is not available, the half is better than withholding all food. The U.S.A, poliey'seems to be too self-centred, altogether, and other

nations are getting impatient. Whether war debts cancellation or international commerce is concerned. United States keeps out of touch with the rest of the world, this form of declaration of independence from responsibility and co-operation not being justified. No land than the United States claims higher ideals; but there is a sad gap between precept and practice. Mr. Ropsevelt, for instance, has uttered sentiments attracting general approval and admiration. His subsequent deeds have not been in keeping. Nor in these contrasts does he differ much from his immediate predecessors. The various Presidents blame Congress for their failure to meet, these promissory notes, but whoever is at fault, the result, is the same to the other nations, who have done much to conciliate the United States. The consequence is resentment is growing, a feeling that the Americans cannot afford to . ignore. Should the Economic Conference fail, the blame will be laid on the United States, which instead of leading the world, will be left to enjoy alone the independence she seems to prefer to international cooperation. That will be to the good of none, and it is to be hoped such disaster will be averted.