Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-05-04
GERMANY'S COURSE
Considerable Comment Caused by a
Berlin Interview.
ATTITUDE OF HIS EECELLENCY'
This Government Alert, but With
out Hostile Feeling.
OF HIS EECELLENCY"
E ENTEN SION OF AIDE

An interview on the subject Of German
American relations cabled from Berlin.
winch, though anonymous, bears the ear
marks of coming from an authoritative
source and processes to reflect the high
est opinion in Germany" has excited con-
siderable comment in Washington TODAY.
The interview deals with the alleged hos
tllity In this country toward Germany. The
feature which attracts most attention is
the response Of his excellency'' to an in
qufry as to the justification for the talk o,
Germany interfering with the spirit of the
Monroe doctrine.
Not We alone is the reply to the d.
rect question, and. proceeding his excel
lency' is quoted as saying in effect That
Germany would protect her subjects and
their rights and property. and as declaring
II to be far from the policy of Germany TO
interfere with the United States" The
interview distinctly avoids recognition Of
the Monroe doctrine. but by adroitness OF
llnSuage seems to imply that the disa-
vowal OF purpose TO interfere with the
nlted states applies TO the geographic
limits.
Germany's Energetic Course
The course OF Germany In many direc-
tlons and the appearance within the pa.t
two days of consular report showing the
rapid development of German interests in
central and South America and the r,-
mors with reference to purpose on tho
part of Germany to establish a coal STA
ton on Margarita Island, off the coast OF
venezuela, seem TO magnify the signif-
canoe or the expressions in this anonymous
interview.
The assumption. however that this xoy-
erhnent entertains feeling of hostility
toward Germany, OF in any way resen,s
the legitimate activity of Germany I'm the
extension of her trade and commerce any
where in the world is not warranted.
Utmost Vigilance Necessary.
AT time when all nations are reaching
out TO the extent OF their strength and re
sources to acquire more markets to in
crease their commerce and to ENCOURAGE
the enterprise of their people in an active
competition in trade and industries th,.
utmost watchfulness is necessary on the
part OF any nation whose interests might
possibly be encroached upon in the eager
ness OF the competition. In the most con-
servative spirit the United States is keen
alone in this hemisphere but in the orient
and wherever else it has interests WORTHY
of attention. We do not construe rivalry
In trade to mean hostility
1t is the well-defined and amDly nroveD
policy OF this government to respect the
rights of the other powers and to protect
It's own No disposition lis shown to antici-
pate a purpose on the part of Germany or
of any other power to depart from /,
friendly and considerate attitude toward us
Regarded as Legitimate Activity.
German statistics of a year ago showed
more than s1.1s4,O0o,0o0 of German capital
invested In countries on this continent
German colonization in South and Central
America, especially in Brazil is remark
ably energetic; transportation lines TO
South and Central American are being
multiplied and extended; the development
of German Industries is being pressed with
vigor and information has recently come
from Berlin of comprehensive policy for
the establishment of German schools I'm
South and Central American countries.
Strong German colonies exist and this
colonization may be regarded as a part
Of the German policy of trade expansion.
II may even be inferred that part
of the vast territory to the south of us
is being GermaniZed; but long the
sovereign independence of the people, OF
whatever nationality is preserved, the
United States government cannot feel that
the Introduction of greater thrift, energy
and enterprise into our neighbor repub-
lies, to strengthen them in their indie
pendent national character, is thing to
be deprecated.
Alert, but Not Hostile.
In a word, II may be said that, without
feeling of hostility toward any of the for
eign powers and without being annoyed
by suspicious this government is alert
and would be prompt to meet a violation
Of the Monroe doctrine. No power has rca-
son to look for hostility from the United
States unless that power has in mind To
rr1if a treSpaSS.