The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-05-12
A DOCTRINE PARAPHRASED.

IL Is a singular coincidence that Just at
the time while this country and Great
Britain are agitated over the question as
TO how far the Monroe doctrine is applica-
BILE TO the condition of things In Near
aqua, three great European powers are
making use of a paraphrase of the same
doctrine as an excuse for interfering be-
tween China and her conqueror. Japan.
The fundamental principles of the Mon
roe doctrine was that the further extern
sion OF the claims of any European gov
eminent to any portion of this hemisphere
Is dangerous TO the peace and safety OF
this country. This is substantially the
language used by President Monroe in
his message. II was not the question OF
assuming the attitude of protector TO
the countries lying TO the southwark of
US, but the purely selfish consideration
that If the strong nations of Europe gain
ed further footholds on this continent
they would be dangerous neighbors.
This, precisely. and without modifica-
ton, was the doctrine advanced by the
allied powers of Europe. when they COM
PEELED Russia 10 relinquish the fruits of
her victory in the Turko- Russian war,
and 10 the same extent 1T is now being put
forward by Russia and her present allies
as a substantial reason why Japan should
he compelled to rehnquish any foothold
on the continent of Asia.
SdIi another instance Of like nature
was when the late Prince Alexander of
Raitenburg. then ruler OF Bulgaria. defeat
Ell the Servians, invaded their country,
and was credited with the design Of unit
ing the two countries under one crown
and thus making a new and powerful
kingdom. The European powers not only
compelled him to relinquish his conquests.
but demanded his ahdication, an applica-
tion of the doctrine far beyond anything
which the United States has ever dreamed
OF attempting.
Logically considered. the apt extension
Of the true Monroe doctrine would be that
she United States should look with ieal-
ousy upon the rise Of any great state else
where upon this hemisphere and should
dtcourage all attempts at federation
among the Latn-American states. This
ropean precedents have protested against
the formation Of the Canadian federation.
and interPosed by arms il necessary to
prevent the creation OF the present Do
minion Of Canada
Il Is needless to say that no such
thought has ever entered the mind Of
any American statesman. and that on the
Fr4a-
| given for the closer union OF an the Latin
American and Brhish-American states.
and the diseouragement OF all quarrels
between them. The thought that such
coalition might threaten the predonlinance
OF tho United States as the great Anerf-
can power, has apparently never infu-
enced any OF our statesmen. and certain
~ never has had any hold IN the minds
Of our citizens.
Agalst European aEgressions on any
portion OF this hemisphere the case has
been different. ana every instance OF the
kiai has been bitterly resented. The
United States can far less afford 20 have
any more Ports on the American continent
occupied by European power. than can
Russia 70 Sc ports IN Asia occupied by
japan. II the one Is a menace TO Russia.
the other. fer the same reason. IS a men
ace % rs. II Russia Is warranted in inter
fering between China and japan. with
far more reason are the United States
authorized 20 Interfere 10 prevent any
Earcpfan nation from acquiring further
territory on this continent. and this with
out taking or pretending % take the role
OF protector OF our weaker neiEhbors. AMI
without regard 20 she merits ~ the quar-
rel wh!ch may have led 10 the attempted
territorial acquisition.