In the United States of America there had been a great searching of
soul, turmoil, and even anguish of thought since the downfall and
death of President Wilson. Although mass opinion had hardened against
any European “entanglement” and any place in the League of Nations by
which they would have to assume definite responsibilities, there was
always an intellectual and combatant minority which protested against
extreme “isolation” and a complete denial of co-operation with European
nations for the sake of World Peace. In three separate lecture-tours
in America, the last one from coast to coast, I saw something of the
tug-of-war in the mind of the American people between the desire to
escape from Europe and the wish to take a full share, even the world’s
leadership, in the reconstruction of civilisation and its progress
towards the brotherhood of nations. On my second visit I saw a rising
tide of idealism in favour of international service. On my third visit
it was beating up still higher against walls of national selfishness,
indifference and hostility. A great deal of the idealism was vague,
verbose, unpractical, and without any definite goal. It was spread by
the women’s clubs, increasing in political activity and importance.
It was expressed by many writers and lecturers, including those who
had seen most of the war. It was discussed, heatedly, at every dinner
table and at every “party” where well-read men and women gathered for
conversation. Many financiers and business men, looking at foreign
affairs with cold science, backed up the arguments of the idealists by
saying that the United States ought to help to “straighten out Europe”
for the sake of world trade and world peace. Many Generals and United
States officers denounced war as an accursed thing, and prophesied the
destruction of civilisation if another world war happened. Kinship with
England, sympathy with France, made some Americans of the old stock
sick at the thought of their national “selfishness”; though still,
I think, the mass of the people were indifferent and bored and tired
with regard to Europe and its troubles. But the idealists, the women,
the pacifists, the internationalists, the financiers, prodded up the
indifference and brought pressure to bear on their Government. No
“entanglements” certainly, but some policy of association with efforts
for world peace. The Harding Administration, elected to keep America
out of Europe, was timid and hesitating, but had goodwill, and heard
these voices at the door.