The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-03-05

In his inaugural address President Harrison
made 1t clear that. in his judgment. the main
tenanoe OF the so-called Monroe doctrine in the
Western world Is not inconsistent with the ac-
QUESTION OF coaling stations and harbor priv
ileRes In the Eastern hemisphere. We draw
attention to the words bearing on this point.
and would remind the reader that they were
written almost exactly ten years ago: I'VE
shall in the future. as in the past. use every
endeavor to maintain and enlarge our friendly
relations with all the great powers. but they
will not expect US to look kindly upon any prof.
cot that would leave US subject to the dan
gers OF o hostile observation or environ
ment. We have not sought to dominate
or to absorb any OF our weaker neighbors,
but rather to aid and encourage them to eS-
tabiish free and stable governments resting
upon the consent OF their own people. We have
. clear right to expect. therefore,. that no Euro
pean Government will seek to establish colonial
dependencies upon the territory OF these indie
pendent American States. That which a sense
of Justice restrains US from seeking they may
be reasonably expected willingly to forego. 1t
must not be assumed. however. that our in
forests are 30 exclusively American that our
entire Indifference to any events that may
eranspire elsewhere can be taken for granted.
Our citizens domiciled for purposes OF trade
In all countries and in many OF the islands
of the sea demand and will have our ade-
QuAte care In their personal and commercial
rights. The necessities of our navy require
convenient coalinR stations and dock and har-
Dor privileges. These and other trading privi-
leges we shall feel free to obtain only by means
that do not in any degree partake OF coercion.
however feeble the Government from which we
ask such concessions. But. having fairly OBJ
tanned them By methods and for purposes en-
tirely consistent with the most friendly dispo-
sttion toward all other powers. our consent will
be necessary to any modification or impairment
Of the concessions"
The foresight OF the twenty-third President
was also exempliied In the stress laid by him
ten years ago on the i'm Importance OF auRmenting
our navy and encouraging our mercantile ma
rine: The construction OF a sufficient number
OF modern warships and OF their necessary
armament should progress as rapidly as is con-
sistent with care and perfection in plans and
workmanship. The spirit. courage and skill OF
our naval officers and seamen have many times
In our history given TO weak ships and in
eficient guns a rating greatly beyond that OF
the naval list. That they will again do SO upon
occasion ! do not doubt. but they ought not. by
ptemeditation or neglect, TO be left TO the risks
and exiRencies Of an unequal combat. Wa
should encourage the establishment OF Ameri-
can steamship lines. The exchanges OF COM
merce demand stated. trustworthy and rapid
means OF communication. and until these are
provided the development OF our trade with
the States lying south OF us is impossible"
In his first annual message, President Harri-
son required to the neccss ~ OF reviving our
mercantile marine, There IL nothing he
said. more Justly humiliatinG to the national
pride and nothing more hurttuI to the national
prosperity than the inferiorily OF our merchant
marine compared with that OF other nations
whose general resources. wealth and seacoast
lines do not suggest any reason for their SUI
premacy on the sea. 1t was not always so. and
our people are agreed. l think. that 1t shall not