The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-06-09
r,r.>crING ALLIANCES WITH NONE

A dlspatch has been sent out from
Washington which hears an the ear-marks
~ one OF those semi-oficiai statements
which the administration issues from
time 10 time, when it wishes 20 take the
hubble into its confidence, and consult
II upon a line OF policy that it proposes
10 pursue. This dispatch states that "
has been the fixed purpose Of Che adj
ministration 70 keep this Government out
OF trivial quarrels between South Amerl-
can republics and European countries
hut. IT goes on to say. there never was
a moment when the United States were
not prepared to act with he utmost de-
cis,on II the administration had become
convinced that the British occupation OF
corin,o was intended TO he permanent.
England. Il says, would in that case
have been required to leave the place
and. II she did not do SO. hostilities would
have been inauguratcd to compel her to
do so.
The entire country viii applaud MI
Cleveland's resolution to keep this coun-
try out OF trivial quarrels between the
South American republics and European
countries, but this dispatch contains the
very serious announcement we have
stated. that he will involve us IN war
with q European country II the latter
should make an attempt TO interfere in
any serious way with the autonomy or
the affairs Of any Of tho South American
republics. This is a matter of very vital
moment to the people of these United
States. and II is one that they should
all think over. and make up their minds
about. and then give expression 10 their
opinions In regard 90 1t. 1t is thing
that should not be left upon its present
uncertain footing. The line Of action
which this Government is to pursue In
any case that may arise should be dis
tinctly understood and announced. For
not only does the turbulent character
Of all the South American countries
threaten perpetual disturbance with Eu-
ropean governments. bat there is at this
very moment pending difference between
Great Britain and Venezuela that may
very well result IN England taking
position that will bring her within the
bounds Of this alleged statement OF the
ADMINISTRATORS view Of that sort OF
serious quarrel that requires the inter
vention OF this country. The question 10
be considered. therefore. Is whether any
condition OF facts whatever that may
arise In South America will justify this
Government in taking sides with the South
American country and Involving ti-s
country in a war with a European power.
The Times is frank TO say that IL looks
upon the whole theory Of the Monroe
.roctrinc as obsolete. and as entirely
absurd as applied to the present condi-
ton of this country and The rest OF the
world Mr.. Monroe announced the doc
trlne seventy years ago. when republican
institutions were seriously threatened in
the world by m0narchicai Institutions IL
WAS a living and vital question at that
time bu, IL has lost its vitality now.
Monarchical institutions are IN much
greater need now OF measures Of defence
against republican institutions than repuh-
lean Institutions are OF such measures
against monarchical institutions. The whole
business. therefore, is a defunct legend
that has lost all Of its appositencss TO
actual conditions.
And We have not the slightest doubt
that II the administration should take
any steps tina, brought the country face
to face with the alternative OF going
TO war with Great Britain or any oiher
country. or renouncing the Monroe doc
trlne. that an overwhelming majority Of
the American people would declare them
selves IN favor Of such remuneration We
advise Mr.. Cleveland. therefore, 10 ego
very slow H. any steps he may contem-
plate OF. this sort. The chances are that
he VIII find himself without the backing
OF bis constituency IL he moves out on
any such lines
The dispatch TO which We have referred
informs US that the administration has
been acting an entirely paternal part !