The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1896-05-22
Falstafian imagination of our Democratic

Falstafian Imagination of our Democratic
president
he Monroe Doctrine binds US to no actiol
unless our welfare is ieopardized. 1t i policy
which was devised TO meet a particular &C.
easiOu Itis based on the principle of selfde-
frnce. aud uDo. no other ground is it jusiIf-
able. 1t was supported by no threats of force
1t was simple statement informing thu world
that we wished to be let alone By European
powers It, entire purpose was To- secure ii e
blessings Of peace, sud every assertion Of it has
been to avert the ealamities OF war 1t has
tened the independence of the colonies Of cen
trail and South Amerie4. and strengthened the
republican form OF government
The Cleveland Doctrine i exactly contrary to
the Monroe Doctrine IL virtually asserts the
right 10 pass Judgment aud enforce DEGREES up
on the merits of any controversy over territory
which may arise between an American aud a
EurUTear state. It's an interference in the
affairs of another which the necessity of selide-
fem does nnt in tify. 1t is a declaration of
dictator. 1t is "a defiance to all Eu ope. 1t
needlessly entangles US in her affairs. 1t
threatens the United states with the degrade
ton of war.
Away with such jiugoistic sentiment Mr.
Cleveland is the very embodiment OF the anti
protective principle in this country. His whole
aim seems to have been to destroy Il in our
national policy. He has provoked and led an
onslaught upon our industries ami our wage
standard
His policy on foreign affairs has been SINH
larry antagOnistie to the very essence of the
Monroe Doctrine. In the case of Hawaii in
stead Of aiding the people of the Sandwich Is
la2ds to establish republican form OF gov
ernmenI, h. did everything in his power to
continue the rule of an ignorant and oppressive
monarch. His silence aud inactivity concern
ing the Armenian massaeres is disgrace to
the civilized world. His attitude toward the
struggle for Cuban independence, has been of
the same character. Instead of holding out all
the encouragement that the good will of the
United states would carry to the movement for
freedom in Cuba, he has distinctly sided with
the Spanish government, which is one of the
most backward and semi barbaric monarehies
in EurOpes In the case of Venezuela, where
the claims in dispute are far more doubtful,
he rushes forward like the knight of the sor-
rowful Figure to fight the battles of the mock
republic.
But you may ask, why was the Presidents
message greeted apparently. DIV so great ap-
prevail throughout the country Carefully ex-
aiming the warlike speeches and editOrisls of
our citizens on this subject, we find that after
all it is not so much the question of right and
wrong or any interest involved. which prompted
them, as a general antsgonism to Great Brita
In the past England has deserved our hatred
Her conduct toward this country in all her
trial. and needs, has been fiendish and coward
ly. This fact is always before US and it sways
the action of a remarkable number who feel
it most keenly. But laying aside all prejudices
how easy it is to realize it is better to be right
than wrong even il the British are With us.
The Monroe Doctrine rightly understood, is
Americanism. 1t is peaceful not contentious
1t is defense not aggression. 1t is brave, digni-
fed, judiciOus. 1t needs no appeal to passion
or prejudice to maintain it, 1t is the highest
type of American patriotism.