The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-12-18
SEATTLE, WEDNESDAY. DEC. Is
THE NEW DECLARATION.

The president OF the United States las
spoken for the people in bis rnessags 70
congress on the Monroe doctrine. War
between the two great Engilsh-spesking
countries would be a very serious matter
for both. and II is 20 be hoped il may be
averted. IL In England. however, which
unsi take the steps necessary 70 avert u.
1t Ia q great principle that Ii at stake, and
not q strip OF territory. The United
ssatez has It's prestige TO maintain among
the powers OF Europe. as well as among
the sister republics OF this continent. and
the maintenance Of the Monroe doctrine
n so essential ia the immunity CT the
Western hemisphere from European tonni-
nation. Il 10 90 reasonable In its claims, so
unohtrusive IN It's application and so just
10 all foreign powers alike that no friend
~ nation can feel aggrieyei at It's asser-
ton by this country.
As preparation for war is said TO Be the
best pfcservative OF peace. so the expressed
anu emphasized determination OF this peo-
pie to stand firmly by the Monroe doctrine
will be the best safeguard against its In
vasion by an Hnfrienaly power. The
splendid and patriotic response made by
the country 10 the presidents words VIII
do much to influence public sentiment. ard.
perhaps better stiil. the statesmanship OF
England, against any attempt at defiance.
II II shall be called upon to do no further
service. the unison OF all the states and all
the people. all parties and all factions. In
one common cause will do good II VIII
stir up tho latent spirit OF national fealty
which has lain dormant so long; IL viii In
spire the present generation with some of
that force and unselfsh devotion to eoun-
try which animated our forefathers, and II
VIII make better citizens OF those who.
having no common foe TO combat. no alien
antagonlsm 10 unite them, have become
lax In their duties and supine in their La
tionaiity.
The course suggested by the president is
wise. Tho FIRST step IL 10 assure ourselves
that we are I'm the right. Knowing our
rights. we must maintain them. The Sc
lection OF the members OF tho proposed
commission calls for extreme care. Their
duty viii be OF a judicial nature and the
consequences or their decision involve
such vast interests that no suspicion Of
partiality should faint their conclusions.
They will be placed in a most delicate ard
trying position. 4 decision IN favor OF Eng
land. Just as Il may be. would subject them
70 rnomentary unpopularity which they
should be strong enough and great enough
to bear. Already. and not without cause,
tie policy Of England in the matter Of the
Venezuela boundary. has aroused the un-
trusting watchfulness OF the United
States. and It will BE- no easy matter for
Americans with the most Immaculate in
fegrity 20 entirely divest themselves OF a
predlspos.tlon against British claims.
The difficulty Is the greater as the En-
eish side OF the case will not be pre-
sented "a viii that or Venezuela. The re-
public viii 40 doubt be represented be-
fore the inquisit0Fial body by fervidly
patriotic advocates. England viii be repre-
scented only ny such documents and maps
as the commission can have ready access
10 unless England becomes impressed with
the grim earnestnoss Of the American peo-
pile. and finds diplomatic means OF furnish
ing TO the commission testimony now con-
aned IN the archives OF the foreign office
We hope. and we believe. that the qucs-
ton viii be settled without bloodshed. hut
IL must DO settled with full recognition
OF the great American doctrine which
Great Britain. when is suited her. SO
heartily commended.