The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1901-08-18
THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND I:
Seattle Pos,-Intelligencer

Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
II Is possibly too much TO expect that
the French newspapers should ever OBJ
tain any adequate conception Of the
American character Of the objects and
purposes Of the American government
which is so quickly responsive 10 the
wishes Of It's people. II there ever were
any such expectations, they are doomed
to be disappointed A curious instance
Of the oblquity with which the people Of
the Latin races glance at everything
American is seen in the comments Of
the Dewspapers Of Paris upon the pres
en-. difficulties between Colombia and
Venezuela.
Almost without exception the entire
French comment upon the trouble is
based upon the theory tha; here IS the
opportunity which has been greed!ly
awaited by the United States to inter-
vene and establish practical protector
ates over the countries iavolved. It Is
accepted as an axiom iha; the United
States is only awaiting a decent pre-
text to step in and seize the route Of
the Panama canal. for example, II not
the whole OF Central and South Ameri-
ca. The French newspapers talk Of the
dispatch Of American squadrons 70 the
scene Of trouble, and seem to expect,
with perfect confidence. that the United
States will proosed to land marines on
some pre;ext ani that a protectoraie
will thus be established.
The mighty squadron which the Unit
ed States has dispatched to the Pacific
ports at which trouble is expected con-
sists so far Of the little Ranger, one o.
the Oldest and smallest ships in COM
mission. rated as cruiser but really IN
ferior in streagth and armament 70 any
OF me modern gunboats bull, for the
navy. Il is trne that it is contemplated,
in the event oE5s4r.ous disturbances On
the isthmus. 70 dispatch a battle-sh!p
there. but this is only because there ar
no vessels Of inferior rating available
for the purpose. II the philadelphia r.
turns within time 3; IS quite safe to say
that she will be dispatched to the is.h-
mus instead OF any battle-ship. One
vessel in a port will in any even. be th7
gxtsn, Of the American naval force
there. and her duty will be confined (.
the protection Of American Interests.
Among those interested is the Paaama
railway. which form part Of line o.
communication from one part Of tn
United states to another. Under ou
treaty with Colombia, the United state
has the right to land armed forces q
protect the railroad line, when its op
Grafton is disturbed by war or revoiu
ton. Under that provision, this countr,
has on rwo separate occasions been com
PEELED TO land a considerable body O
marines on the isthmus to protect tn
railroad during times Of public disturb
ance. and It will DO so again should III
occasion arise. When the occasion pass
es away, the marines will be withdraw
in the future as in the past.
The newspapers Of continental Eu
rope NAV dismiss their fears. The per
ple Of the United States. who are II
government In a sense which the Frenc
are utterly unable to comprehend, ha'
no ambition for territorial accessions
South America, Central America or els
where. They recognize that We hay
sufficient troubles OF our own witho
encouraging the accumulation Of an
more. The territory taken as a resu
Of the war with Spain was not retain'
through anv ambition to enlarge o
territorial boundaries or to become
colonial power, but because no 9th
course seemed possible to pursue,
safety, in honor and in justice to all
the inhabitants Of the former spani
colonies.
So far as the states Of Central al
South America are concerned, the Un
ed States has no ambitions or desiT
touching them save to put our ira
relations on a rather better footir
With their domestic troubles or wa
fares, much as they may be deplor'
the United States has no desire or int
ton to interfere. save when its servi'