The record-union., 1895-05-09

Central American Republics. If. then,
such States wrong other nations, we
would, as guarantors of their sover-
eighty, compel them to do justice with
out menace or bloodshed."
Really, we might well let the Times.
argument 60 as its own refutation. Its
proposition would amount to the declara-
ton Of protectorate over all American
States, policy not even the most jingo-
istic American contends for. That pro-
tectorate would practically work the de-
struction of the very independence con-
corning which our contemporary is so
solicitous. Just how we could compel
nation to do justice and make repara-
ton" without menace passes compre-
hension. A judgment without executive
power behind it is nil; the declaration of
a crime without penalty attaching is
mere sound and vacuity.
According to our contemporary, the
Monroe doctrine is to make US the debt
collectors and spanker agency for all
Europe and the rest of the world. If they
are wronged, We, the guardian, will see
to it that our wards repair the wrong and
pay the smart money. A pretty theory.
that; delightful lowering and clucking-
hen sort of policy. that would keep US
in hot water continually and make us
q pon h a
earth. There is nothing in American
policy, in the doctrines of the fathers or
| the Monroe code, that could justify the
United States of America in assuming
| any such position of political wet-nurse
and self-su uff1cient guardian to the States
of Central America. The act OF occupy
ing Corinto did not menace Nicaraguan
independence; first, because any such
intention was expressly disavOwed; sec
ond, because it was not occupation in the
nature Of conquest. Its indefniteness as
to time was dependent upon the act Of
Nicaragua itself. England has the same
right that we claim as free Government
| to name the sum of the indemnity to be
| paid. If that had been so great as to be
| oppressive and involve cession or seizure
of territory, then there would have been
reason for our protest and Intervention.
| But these conditions did not obtain.
The hypothetical case the Times puts is
not parallel. Yet, as matter Of fact.
we see nothing whatever TO prevent
| England or any other nation, having
made demand for payment of indem-
nifty upon US and being refused and
secuted, sending force to occupy, If she
could, the port of New York in an at
tempt to force payment by collection Of
revenue duties. That she could not do
so because of our strength not one whit
narrows the right she has to attempt it.;
and the attempt would not justify inter-
ference by any other power, except to
prevent conquest, and even then such
power would practically extend pro-
tectorate over US.
That England may repeat the Corinto
incident in other American States cuts no
figure in the case; each incident must
stand upon it's own foundation, and be de-
termined by the environment Of circum-
stances. We cannot find in the response
Of our esteemed contemporary anything
to cause US to modify our original state
/ ment to which it takes exception, namely:
The Monroe doctrine simply declares that
| monarchies OF The other hemisphere shall not
plant their systems on this, To the destruction
or subjugation OF the independence OF any
| American State, Nicaragua was pressed 10
pay damages by one who claims that the
Central American State outraged all the de-
cencies of international usage by eJecting an
English consular official. England distinctly
/ disavowed any intention to subJugate, to con-
| quer or TO interfere with the Independence OF
| Nicaragua.
No State can be compelled, except by
force, to submit its cause to arbitration;
therefore, as England declined arbitra-
ton, the office of the United States was
simply this, to see that in securing satis-
faction of her claim England did not
make war of conquest upon Nicaragua,
or seek to overthrow her sovereignty as
and independent State.
|
The United States Debris Commission
is composed of eminently upright and able
men, who discharge their duties con-
scientiously. and as we'll as they can un
der the circumstances; but the law under
which they are acting, and the scant
means placed at their command to require
| compliance with its terms, place them at
a advantage. Perhaps they should not
be criticised, as they appear to be doing
| about as well as most others could do if
placed as they are; but they are either
making mistakes, or else they are being
imposed upon. At any rate, this is un-
deniable, that they have granted permits
in many instances in which the dams
constructed to restrain debris can, at
best, restrain it only temporarily. In
fact, permanent dam is not one of the
things contemplated in the rehabilitation
of hydraulic mining. But Of what use is
a temporary dam, except to get a permit?
Such dam cannot be used without vio-
lation of the spirit of the law, at least.
--
NOTE AND COMMENT.