Elihu Root, the U.S. Secretary of War,
Did much for Peace in that capacity,
And also as Secretary of State, by arbitrating for
Peace. His position was that nations should treat
Others with nobler intentions than ‘colonial powers’
Had been doing abroad from Europe for many years,
While he faced critique that ‘having America as your friend’
Meant accepting its ‘exceptionalism’- without end.
He worked hard and respectfully in order to expand –
To the Philippines, Cuba, Latin America and Japan –
The ‘civil society’ that he felt made others friends,
Which included supporting a Hague court to judge amends.
Resolving controversies before war, he foretold,
Would limit our barbarism and respect negotiations’ role.
June Edvenson 