Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-01-12
Mr. Morrap,s TransvanI Resolution.

r..
The concurrent resolution OF senator
Morgan extending congratulations 10 the
Transvaal republic Is il-advlseu' 10
saw the least: and its adoption would
we think, place this government III
very awkward and inconsistent POSITION.
II contrayenes one of the two cardinal
nrinciples of the Monroe doctrine. That
doctrine not only declares against the
acquisition by foreign Powers OF any
new territory in this hemisphere out
binds us not 10 interfere with the az
airs of European Powers elsewhere. Inc
fact that the masses in this country
svmpathize with the Beers and with re-
publican institutions everywhere. and re-
probate British ruthlessness in deahns
with their South African neighbors, Is one
thing: but the putting Of themselves by
formal action of Congress on record
as a nation as entertaining these senti-
ments. is quite another. In the passage
of the resolution we would be meddling
in a matter We are pledged not to NEEDLE
in. and would materially weaken our
cause in the Venezuelan issue
SO far we have stood squarely upon the
Monroe doctrine in its entirety. our at
titude has been one of dignity, firmness.
and consistency. In the Venezuelan
crisis especially, we have asserted the
doctrine with no uncertain sound. ana
now that Great Britain is satisfied as to
our earnestness. and the first flush of ex-
element Is over. there is growing dis
position in that country to recognize that
there are two sides TO the question. This
is made manifest in the changed tone or
some of the leading English papers In
discussing the issue, in the strengthen
ing of American securities on the Lon
don market, and in various other ways.
In short, despite Salisbury's reported
iteration that he will not arbitrate the
Venezuela matter. the prospect for ar
filtration is widening: for. aside from the
serious complications in which Great
Britain is involved in other quarters
and which, even If they do not result
I'm war. are teaching her deserved les
son, Salisbury is not stronger than BRUSH
public sentiment; and this. after all. Is
the ruling power of that nation.
At present we stand upon sure found
alton with respect TO the Monroe
doctrine-a foundation OF right and
Justice and absolute good faith Under
no circumstances can we afford to recede
step from our position; under no cir
cumstances will we; for, 1t Is manifest
that the opposition to foreign Interior
ence in the affairs of the American re-
publics and to foreign land-grabbing on
this side of the globe has become fixed
principle with our people. Nevertheless,
the moment Congress passes such resolu-
lions as that of Senator Morgan's. we
knock a prop from under ourselves,
ALLEVIATE the moral support honesty and
consistency always attract, and render
more difficult the settlement, not only
of the present trouble. but Of any trouble
involving the Monroe doctrine that may
arise i'm future. In word. our policy
should be TO assert. observe. and enforce,
IL necessary, the American Monroe doc
trine In this hemisphere In its integrity.
and let Europe take care of the European
Monroe doctrine on the other side of the
world That way lies safety. an avoid
ance OF foreign complications. command
of the respect of other nations, and the
guarantee of the perpetuity OF American
republics. Let Europe be once thorough
~ convinced that this is our policy.
and the danger of foreign aggression will
be mimimiZed.