The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-01-02

simple acquisition Of territory II we
arc TO have an English settlement IN
Guiana. OF what consequence Is 1t TO us
whether II consists OF so many thousand
square miles. more or less? But II
European monarchy acquires one acre OF
American soil. for the purpose OF start
ing crusade against republican insu-
tutions il is all-impor;ant to us TO pre-
vent that foreign power acquiring that
single acre. u is the purpose had In
view. then. and not the number OF acres
owned. which concerns us. If this
be so. then all Of the talk OF Mr.. Lodge
and the other jingoists. of Britain beng
engaged ia a game OF robbery in South
America, goes for nothing, unless. in
deed. as we many times hear suggested.
this country IS to take upon itself to
protect the countries Of South America
from oppression by stronger powers.
III we are correct in our view OF what
the Monroe doctrine means. that doc
trine does not call upon us to 10 this.
II. then. we should declare that It was
a part Of our national destiny to protect
the small powers of South America from
oppression. IL would be because there is
something in our nature and institu-
lions so opposed 20 oppression that We
intend TO shield our weak nelghbors
from mere goodness Of heart. our posi-
ton In that case would. Of course. be
one entirely different from a position
founded on the Monroe doctrine. But
We should then have to ask ourselves
II we could stop with the weak coun-
tries of South America? Would we not
have 20 assume the benevolent part Of
the true knight-errant. and 20 out into
the world to overthrow tyrants and
liberate the oppressed wherever they are
to be found? Could we rush to the rescue
Of the Grcasers and half-breeds Of Vene-
zuela. and allow the Sultan OF Turkey TO
murder the Christians and Armenians Of
his dominions by the hundreds Of thou
sands?
Mr. Lodge repudiates that very noble.
II somewhat rash part for himself. lie
says he will not lend a helping Plnd 10
the South American republics except
as his Interpretation Of the Monroe doc
trino calls upon him to do. Hear him.
lie says:
The Monroe doctrine interferes in no
wise with the rights which the prin-
ciples of international law give 10 al
nations. IL does not touch the Ques-
tion Of reparation for injuries inflicted
upon the subjects Of any European power
10y any Of the Central or South Ameri-
can States. We cherish that right ieal-
ousy ourselves We do not deny IL 10
others. II the subjects OF any Euro
pean power suner wrong at the hands oi
any of the governments Of South or Cen
trsi America, that power is entitled TO
demand the fullest satisfaction and re-
dress But Mr.. President the ques-
ton Of rcparation must not be mixed
up with the acquisition Of territory. Lord
Salisbury. with the ingenuity for which
he Is distinguished, has made a Cadm
for PREPARATION upon Venezuela. OF ac-
count of the arrest by the Venezuelan
authorities Of certain British subjects.
lie turns 20 US and 10 the rest OF the
world. with the inquiry IA TO whether
the Monroe doctrine is TO interfere with
the right of every power 10 protect its
citizens i'm South America.
To such a question there can be but
one answer and Lord Salisbury is as
sured beforehand of Che sympathy of ali |
nations on that point.
Fie ne Mr.. Lodge Then there is no
element Of charity, benevolence, and |
high purpose in your Jingoism at all. 1t |
is all pure selnshness. You think a
European power acquiring territory here |
might endanger your ease and luxury IN |
Boston. and you are therefore opposed |
TO such acquisition But Great Britain /
msy send her ships to Corinto. and plum |
der and Cypress the Nicaraguans as she |
ploases. so long as she does nothing that !
may have tendency to interfere win !
your own ease and repose. In this light, |
The Jingoist becomes contemplate when |
he is not ridiculous.