BURDEN-BEARERS ALL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 10 December 1925, Page 4

BURDEN-BEARERS ALL.

The President has provided a splendid opening for some of the dielia.rds among American Congressmen. “We may as well remember,” said Mr Coolidge in his message to the opening of Congress, “that there is absolutely no escape for our country from bearing its share of the world’s burdens in any case. We shall do far better service to ourselves and to others if wc admit this and discharge our duties voluntarily, than if we deny it and are forced to meet the same obligations unwillingly.” That is a statesmanlike view of the international position; but it will not appeal to all good! Americans. President Coolidge was giving reasons for his country’s adherence to a, World Court-, which is the nearest which even he cares to come to the League of Nations. The idea of the world having any burdens t,o be borne, however, and particularly the idea that, any of them should be borne by America if there were some, is one which will be- scouted by several prominent legislators in the iStates. It is casting .no reflection on a great country and ,a lovable people, to say that some Americans regard Europe merely as a holiday ground or a field for the collection of debts. It is a very wise plan to build one’s house apart from others, for the sake of safety in the case of fire; but when fire breaks out in the block the owner of the isolated house should take his share in quelling it. Although his own property may not be menaced), he has a duty to his neighbours. Similarly America, fortunately placed by the Creator in geographical isolation from the troubled countries of Europe, is called upon to assist in the common duty of nations which bear one another’s burdens. President Coolidge hears that call and recognises its justice.