The League of Nations
The American View
RETURNED recently from the United States after a residence there, chiefly in the Middle West, of about three months. So limited an experience cannot justify conclusions ; but perhaps the impressions made upon one already familiar, after four former visits, with the general character of the American outlook on life may be useful. These impressions are the results of many discussions with bankers, lawyers, professors, and—much less illuminatingly—with Senators and Congress- men. I did not lecture to pearls and furs ; but I met many of those who advocate a closer contact of the United States with the League, and yet with them I felt that I was often in a political vacuum.
Frankly, the dominant note—at least in the Middle West— is isolationism. This is due obviously to the old tradition, " no entangling alliances " ; but it is also due to the national emphasis upon " independence," in the sense of standing on one's own feet. It will be remembered that " Hail Columbia " includes the phrase, " Let independence be our boast, ever mindful what it cost" The false rhyme is significant ! Those who sing a sacred phrase do not think but feel emotions. I must not make the more general observations which would have reference to the almost reckless individualism of the United States ; but we cannot refuse to recognize as reasonable a prejudice against people who are always asking for help and do not seem to make any effort to stand upright by themselves.
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