Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-05-02
CONGRESS MUST ACT
Some Definite Expression on the
Monroe Doctrine Expected.
WHAT TEE POPULAR view HAS BEEN
Questions as to the Control of the
Nicaragua Canal.
TROUBLE THAT MAY OCCUR

ao"eNer nortlIylng TO national pride the
present attitude of the United States in
the Corlnto matter may be. a considerable
measure of good is expected in the end to
be extracted from 1t. 1t must lead It is
thought, inevitably to two results: ID A
thorough overhauling CT the so-calIed Mon
roe doctrine, and C2) much more explicit
understanding of the terms upon which the
Nicaragua canal Is to be constructed, and
when completed controlled
The people Of this country have 1t would
appear, been wholly mistaken as to the
meaning of the Monroe doctrine. They
nave assumed that, in its true and best
analysis, 1t was to be taken as an express
sion of championship of popular govern
ment on this side of the Atlantic and of
brotherly interest in all of the republics to
the south. 1t was not to warrant medd,ing
m their domestic affairs in any way nor
the shouldering outright and without in
qulry OF grounds that might arise between
them and powers across the sea, but GER
tainiy the taking of such interest in them
as would constitute this government an
Welfare when duly presented for it's con-
sideration.
The Macmillan Incident.
1t is probably true that the popular idea
today of the meaning of the Monroe doc
trine rests upon the incident of thirty
years ago, whens the United States, in
terms and with an armed demonstration
not to be mistaken, ordered the French out
of Mexico. Louis Napoleon had his spe-
cious explanation of the presence of his
troops in that country, and was full Of
assurances that this government had moth
ing to fear in the premises. But all of that
was promptly and even curtly brushed
aside. To begin with, the United States
had no faith in the French emperor. 1t
had been only a few years since his in
trigue with Lord Palmerston for recogniz-
ing the southern confederacy. He was
known to be at all times shifty. He was
not desirable as nelghbOr. He was the
his throne at home over the ruins of
republic he had for short time repre-
sented as president and pretended to be
devoted to. And SO his soft words were
rejected, and he was informed that his
room was better than his company in Mex
leo. He had the wisdom of an intriguer.
and, seeing that the United States under
stood him and meant business, did not
stand upon the order Of his going. but
went at once.
The people Of this country enthusiastic
cally approved of the course of the admin
istration. The case was not tried by law
yerS, nor based upon the literal phrase
Clogy of constitutional provisions or fine
spun distractions. 1t was put to the people
in broader way and better light, and was
all the more to their liking because the at
titude of the United States was generous
and unselfish. This country had nothing to
fear at that time for itself from Louis Ma
poleon. She had but recently disbanded the
finest army that ever mustered, and could
reassemble ii by a single call in months
time. No French force could hope success
fully to oppose it But Mexico was small
and almost helpless and Louis Napoleon
was bullying her largely because of that
fact. 1t seemed the proper thing for the
United States to do, therefore, to step In,
both on the score of just dealing and neigh
1so 80
her feet again.
The Feeling at Present.
The memory of this episode being fresh.
1t was but natural for the people to feel
somewhat instructed by it when Great
Britain raised her hand against Nicaragua.
They felt somehow that, despite the differ
ences in the two cases, there was still
enough in the latter case to warrant ener-
getic action on the part of the United
States. This much at least was clear: A
sister republic, small and in sore straits.
was being bullied and hard pressed by a
strong power and one no more friendly to
the United States than Louis Napoleon
had been. 1t seemed not only proper but
imperative for the United States to tender
her best offices to Nicaragua-her protec-
ton, even, if Great Britain got TO be too
unreasonable and belligerent. But few
constitutional lawyers and a Quakerish
ambassador interfered, and the opportunity
was lost.
1t is insisted that this precedent must
not be permitted to stand, and that Con-
gress must promptly next winter formulate
some expression on the subject. If the
Monroe doctrine has a meaning it must
be clearly defined and enforced; il no mean
ing az present attaches to it, one, and q
vigorous one, must be given to II without
delay.
The Canal Question Changed.
The question as it relates to the construc-
-
while inferior in Importance to the question
in is general bearing, is yet highly import
ant, and England's new attitude will re-
ceive close attention on that score also.
The result, 1t is feared, may complicate the
case of the canal before the next Congress,
and call for a new campaign in favor of
the measure. The question as presented to
the last Congress was distinctly that Of
American support and control. England
was never once thought to enter into the
calculation. The argument advanced was
that, as the canal would be, in location, an
American institution, the United States
should both dig and control 1t. She was to
be the trustee for humanity in the business:
to see that the enterprise was properly
launched and then properly managed. This
greas irresistibly. Some differences ap-
peared over details, but the question, as 1t
touched national pride and the national
sense Of duty. had large majority in its
impression is strong now that England
meditates putting in her oar in some way.
She is thought to be Inaneuvering for posi-
ton, SO that, when the time comes, she may
assume a part in the scheme. VIII Con-
gress consent that the United States shall
go into partnership with England either In
digging or in anywise controlling the
Nicaragua canal? Is not the whole canal
question changed in its most important
aspect by the demonstration Of England at
Corinto? !.
Trouble That May Come.
Meddlesome commercial agents. with or
without exequaturs may, as Senator Nor
gan points cut, make trouble at any time,
and the greater their opportunity the
greater may be their activity.
Nicaragua is a circumscribed field now.
but, after the canal IL dug. and business
begins, men of the Hatch type may under
take to ply a regular vocation, and IL Eng
land or any other foreign power may land
troops train big guns on Nicaraguan
territory at pleasure, many serious compli-
cations may arise, and be even more diffi-
cult of adjustment than the present one.
Congress, 1t is believed. will insist upon the
clearing up of this feature of the case be-
fore formally committing this government
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