In the face of such a possibility a peaceful and unarmed nation like the
United States is absolutely powerless to interfere with more effect than
the twittering of sparrows against the combats of eagles. We may pipe our
tunes of peace in Mr. Bryan’s most resonant voice, but the ensanguined
nations will not listen. If we fortunately keep out of the war, our
reserve of moral force and idealism may be potent at some future day.