Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-01
RESPECTABLE WITNESSES.


Our esteemed contemporary, the Provi-
hence Or - Journal, referring to our con-
tention that the argument. against en-
iangling alliances is still the primary one
against annexation Of the Philippines,
says that that is easy enough to assert.
but asks, "Can the Dispatch prove it?"
How" it continues, "are we going to get
into any ENHANCEMENT by taking over tia
islands"
IN our cause let us take the testimony
OF Washington. the accepted father Of
the doctrine against entangling alliances,
and who ought, we think, to be still en-
titled to some standing in court. After
yetting forth that Europe has a set of
primary interests, which TO us have none
Or very remote relation. and declaring
That il would be unwise for us to impli-
cate ourselves i'm European politics,
Washington says: eff we remain one peo-
pie under an efficient government, the
period is not far off when we may defy
material injury from external annoyance;
when we may take such an attitude as
will cause the neutrality we may at any
time resolve upon TO be scrupulously
respected; when belligerent nations, I'M
der the impossibility of making acquisi-
tons upon us. will not lightly hazard the
giving us provocation; when we may
choose peace or war as our interest,
guided by justice, shall counsel Why
forego the advantages of so peculiar a
situation? Why quit our own to stand
on foreign ground? Why, by interweav-
ing our destiny with that of any part Of
Europe, entangle our peace and pros
perity in the tolls of European ambition,
rivalship interest, humor, or caprlce?"
Here We have the germ and the inspira-
ton of the Monroe doctrine; for Washing
ton not only warns us not TO interfere in
European interests and politics. but eau
lions us against inviting Europe to make
acquisitions upon us. To annex the
Philippines would be to commit both of
these blunders. Nothing could be more
illogical than the supposition that if we
attempted TO divide with Europe the
primacy of the Eastern Hemisphere. She
would recognize us as primate Of this
hemisphere, should 1t prove to her inter
est and in line with the consummation of
her ambition not TO do so.
And for the confederation of Wash
ington's testimony. as above given, we
would file that part of the message OF
date OF March Is. 1926. of John Quincy
Adams. In which the Massachusetts,
statesman quotes that testimony and the
Monroe doctrine also. and emphasizes
both. Surely, our New England contem-
porary cannot but accept Mr. Adams as
a competent and intelligent witness.
But, TO can upon Washington again. lie
says Against the insdious wiles OF for
eign influence Il conjure you, fellow -citi-
Gems. TO believe mel. the jealousy OF a free
people ought TO be constantly awake.
since history and experience prove that
foreign influence is one OF the most bane-
full foes OF republican government" In
the light Of recent developments truly Il
would seem that Washington saw this
Tar into the future. WIN Il be denied
that from one foreign quarter, at least.
Influence is being exerted TO stimulate
the annexation and imperiallstic senti-
meEt Ia this country? And, considering
inc interests III the far East OF the ma
ZION Tor which that influence speaks. san
II be doubted that this great concern
Tor our prestige points TO an ultimate
"i'ahee' and the consequent drawing of
tne United States into the maeistrom OF
european diplomacy and politics?
The much in answer to our contem-
porary'S questions. However We have
not given all OF the testimony OF Wash
ington against the wisdom OF policy
Of expansion that would extend TO the