New-York tribune., 1896-01-24


might nick I'D money; and when rich South
Americans have visited its capitals 1t has en-
corlraged them to spend their fortunes there,
and has nssiduo,,sly instructed them In the beau
ties of monarchy and its vast advantages-to the
favored few-over democracy. The whoie in'
fiuence of Europe for half a century has been
excrtcd toward the weakening and dscredltlng
of republican institutions in South America, and
toward making those States commercially anu
financially dependent upon and subservient 10
herself To-day the political chleftains OF South
America are largely imbued with the anti-repuD-
lican notions of Europe, and the whole con-
tlncnt is mortgaged to the money-lenders OF the
Old World
In the mean time, what has this Republic
done for the encouragement and Strengthening
of its weaker neighbors! Mr.. Wolcott says
those neighbOrs with few exceptions dislike
u.s. What have we done to make them like us.
and to lead them to take pattern OF our pollticai
stability and social progress! SO little that we
might wellnigh say, Nothing. Until within the
last few years have stood aloof from them,
cold and unsympathetic. European ships have
thronged their ports European traders have
controlled their markets. European bankers
have managed their finances. European infiu-
cnces have prevailed in all their interests and
activities. We have seemingly cared for none
OF these things And when some Statesman OF
real genius has proposed TO cultivate the ac-
uuaintance of our neighbors. to extend our po-
litica and commercial influence among them.
and to establish system Of reciprocity In trade
that would stimulate their industries, enlarge
orr commerce and bind them and us together
Il han nnf Of sDS
his plans have been denounced and his purposes
frustrated by Americans themselves Mr. Cham
berlan has made himself the most conspicuous
and the most interesting British statesman OF
the day through his policy OF improving the
neglected estates Of the Empire" lie deserves
the attention he is getting. His scheme Is in
stnct with the highest craftsmanship. But
what then are we TO say OF the American
craftsmanship that would cultivate relationship
with our neglected neighbors? Is it not OF equal
benehcence and equal importance! And II such
scheme had been conceived half century ago,
and energetcally and faithfully executed. would
not the political and social condition OF the
South American States be far better, and our
attitude toward them be far more creditabe.
than II is to-day?
Let us not darken counsel with vain words
about "protectoratcs" 'protectorate' Is the
last thing the United States wants to establish
over any OF its ncighbors. Nothing could be
more fatal 10 tho best interests OF those States
than TO have us do so, and nothing more embar-
RAISING to ourselves. A protectorate degrades
and destroys the national spirit OF the State over
which it is exercised and fits that State for moth
ing else than final absorption into the domain
OF It's s,iZcrain Power Ii places upon the one
the mark Of superiority. upon the other OF in
frriorty Reciprocity Is the exact reverse II
essentially implies equality-at least on the line
of political independence-and unites nations
not by the bond Of domination Of one over the
other but by that Of true fraternity and COM
munity OF interests. The Monroe Doctrine Is
good thing 1t should always be maintained as
a part Of the consistent foreign policy OF this
Nation. and It can thus be maintained without
any verbose and yociferous 'reatirmations.
But after ALL 1t is merely the letter OF the law.
The spirit which Is to quicken 1t into potent and
perpetual vitality is to be found in acts rather
than in procnmations. A good reciprocity law,
and n set Of treaties under II. would be worth
more. for the stability and security OF the South
American States. md for the protection ana pro-
motion Of our own interests. than all the mes
s,yes and doctrines and resolutions In the worid.