Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-29
The Old Year and Its One Fact.
Mobile Register)


| The year just closed was one Of the
most important in our history 1t wit
messed practically a revolution in our ma
tional affairs. For 122 years the republic
was content to regard itself as self-con-
tanned, the Monroe doctrine being held as
the highest expression Of our national am
bition. That doctrine plainly declared
that European Powers must conine their
political operations TO :he eastern hemis-
phorc. and that the United States would
be- satisfied with the western as its field
for the development Of the principles and
practice Of human liberty During the
year we became involved In war with
Spain, primarily on the ground Of the
Monroe doctrine. Spain had misgoverned
her VT Indian colonies and the in
habitar's of one of these colonies were
i'm revolt on the principle that this con-
tinent is 10 be regarded as the home Of
liberty. the United States after waiting
considerable time Tor Spain 10 prove
that her rule i'm Cuba was by the consent
Of the governed, and that the instruction
in the island was but an ebuliton of law
lessIcss, decided TO intervene aId did in
tervouc. with the result that Spain has
been driven out OF her western possess
sions. and the flag Of the United states
flies there as the visible sign Of the es-
Enlistment Of free government.
Were this an Of the history there would
be little 20 say 10 has happened. how
ever. that I'm prosecuting the war the
United states Government saw fit 10 as
sail Spain I'm her distant eastern possess
sions as well as I'm her western possess
sious. and thus the United States has be-
come the owner Of a large number Of
Islands in the Pacific ocean. and must
proceed 20 govern and develop them.
This brings our country into new sphere
Of action and I'm that hemisphere which
We conceded 20 the European Powers We
come into immediate contact and COM
petition with these Powers on their own
ground. and our Monroe doctrine will
serve as no longer as a guide. In fact. the
disregard Of that doctrine IS one respect
admits Of its disregard In another. We do
not see how we shall with good grace
forbid Europeans 70 take interest in west
ern affairs when we have taken the mia
tive by intruding upon the eastern field.
We enter upon a new. and. we fear. dam
gerOus ground. without any experience,
and not only IN opposition 10 OUR
heretofore declared principles but I'm OPP
position 70 the most powerful and expert
Imperialism Of Europe ana Asia. One Of
our competitors is Russia, a great and
determined nation. Another is Germany.
which empire frs forcing It's way rapidly
% the front i'm universal affairs. We have
nowhere "a friend. except Great Britain.
which country will be orr friend while
its interests coincide with OUR own. but
not % moment longer We are going 20
make mistakes. and we viii probably be
involved I'm wars with European Powers.
costing us heavily I'm life and property and .
holding forth no promise that we as a
people VIII De happier because we have
become greater and have allowed our am
biron 10 reach beyond our own borders
This is the one fact I'm the history OF
the year AG other facts are dwarfed i'm
with it Hawaii is bur an i'm
Cilcnt the November elections but rip
pie upon the political waters. and Nc
Kirlcy's visit South a mere domestic item.
hardly worth mentioning.