The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1895-04-04
WAITS FROM WASHINGTON,
THOUGHT AT WASHING TON
CRYSTALLIZING ON THE
PURCHASE OF CUBA.
SENATORS LODGE AND MORGAN
SAY WE MUST HAVE IT.
To Sustain Our Position on the Monroe
Doctrine the United States Must Be
Powerful at Sea and Own
Some Outlying Islands.

Correspondence.) 1.-THE foreign incidents
of the last few weeks have resulted in
giving q new impetus to the sentiment
which has been slowly growing in this
country for years past 70 the effect that
there are several portions Of foreign terri
tory which should by all means be ac-
quired by the United States. The advo'
Gates of this policy are at the same time
eager upholders of the Monroe doctrine,
and believe that by certain acquisitions it
will be made easier for this government
10 maintain the fundamental principle
laid down in that doctrine, which is;
THAT the American continents, by the
free and independent condition they have
assumed and maintain, are henceforth
not to be considered as subjects for col
onization by European powers"
This is one of the arguments which is
being used in connection with the talk re-
ferred to in this correspondence about
two weeks ago, and anent the possible
purchase of Cuba. 1t is contended by the
advocates of the scheme that by securing
Cuba it will not only be of great benefit
to the commercial interests of this coun-
try but by the proximity of the island to
the Central and South American repub-
lies, our holding of it as a base of sup
plies and operations will be great detri-
ment to any possible encroachments of
our southern neighbors by the great pow
ers of Europe. As to the Hawaiian
islands, similar claims are being made,
and to give some idea of the sentiments
of some of the advocates of this new
policy excerpts are made from Il recent
speech Of Senator Lodge, which, although
it was made during the closing days of
haa f..nk 10 90.
in the Record. The speech being deliver
ed during the debate on the diplomatic
bill, which resulted in the senate's strik-
ing out the appropriation for 100000 for
beginning work on the proposed Hawaiian
cable, and among other things the sen
ator expressed himself as follows, when
speaking of possible war with England:
II have no idea that England desires to
go to war with this country: / do not
think she does. but we may as well look
facts in the face. This country is the
rival and competitor of England for the
trade and commerce Of the world. The
English-speaking people have been the
great cenquering race of modern times.
Our own colonies prang from her loins,
and since we parted from her her states
men have never failed to recognize that
in men speaking her language and of her
race she was to find her most formidable
rivals. She has always opposed, thwart-
ed and sought to injure us. She desires
to keep her control of the great pathways
of commerce She desires to put us in
position where we cannot, if we wish,
fight except at great disadvantage.
81 have said that do not fear Il war.
| do not think we have any reason to.
England is quite as well aware as we are
that though she might lombard a few of
our coast cities her great territory of
Canada would pass from her never to
return in the event of war. But to
neglect our navy and outlying islands,
which ought TO belong to us, does put us
in n position where all the advantage is
on her side and none on ours. The control
of these points in the great highways of
commerce are the control of the sea power.
1t was the sea power in history that
enabled Rome to crush Hannibal, perhaps
the greatest military genius of all times;
it was the sea power that enabled Eng
land to bring Napoleon's empire to ruin;
it was the sea power more than anything
else that crushed the rebellion in this
country by blockading every port of the
Southern States. 1t is the sea power
that is essential to the greatness of every
great people.
I'VE are great people; we control this
continent; we are dominant in this hemi
sphere; we have too great an inheritance
to be trifled with or parted with. 1t is
ours to guard and extend. We do not
want too great rival posted too near
our coasts, and there in the one place
where the hand of England has not been
reached out to throw away those islands
is madness for any man who looks beyond
the present moment or who sees in this
question anything but mere matter Of
population or money. The sea
hou nf hn
force in history. Without the sea power
no nation has been really great. Sea
power consists, in the first place, of n
proper navy and proper fleet; but in
order to sustain the navy we must have
suitable posts for naval stations, strong
places where navy can be protected and
refurnished."