The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-28

As far as we can learn. the Administra-
ton, although sorely pressed to do so,
hesitates to send an armed expedition to
the interior of Venezuela, via the San
Juan River OF that country. Such a move
ment would not only be a casus belli, but
an act of war in itself. So, unless the
/ influence of the Asphalt Trust is great
/ enough to override all questions of ma
tional policy and propriety, the probablli-
! ties are that the invasion will not take
/ place.
| The more threat of resort to such a
course has had the effect we feared It
would, in infaming Latin American pre-
/ judice against the United States. and in
stirring up European anti-Americanism.
South Americans generally declare that if
/ this country is ready to enforce claims
of its trusts against Venezuela it will be
I equally prepared to do the same thing
as against ether States. as occasion may
arise. AS an illustration of English senti-
ment on the subject the following from
the London Saturday Review is inter
esting:
England least Of all can afford to divert its
gaze long from the Western Continent. For the
moment Nicaragua gives place TO Venezuela a.
/ the point Of interest. An guiacioas attempt to
extend the original Monroe Doctrine received
check from the latest protese Of the United
States
There is no affection for the United States
among the Spanish Of the American Cont
nent Even Texas is yet but an i'll assimiIated
mcrsel There must be something particularly
offensive TO Nicaragua in the calm assumption
by the United States Senate that her territory
can be exploited for purely American purposes,
and at nod of that body all her treaties with
European powers calmly abrogated.
The rawness Of American diplomacy unfor-
tunately intensiies the general sentiment through
out the world that the Anglo-SaXon race i
calmly insolent well grasping. If this
country with the assent Of Germany and per-
haps of France, were 10 encourage President
Castro TO stand firm it would leave the United
States Government in position OF ridiculous
helplessness. It would also administer con
dign rebuff. which is richly deserved
British Guiana may som. day have to dread
the aEgressons of the United States The two
gravest problems awaiting the twentieth cen
fury the future of China and the future OF
South America. The United States have already
formulated their creed for South America. For
North Americans such claim would be undoubt-
eddy met By a negative on the part OF or
more Of the European Powers
The day Will when this country vii!
have to make up her mind what solution she
wishes to promote The Central American Repub-
lies may ere long be asking Europe, the az
grcs=or to take their part against the oppressive
attentions of their would-be champion
1t seems to us that the Saturday Re
view would have displayed better taste
if it had waited until after the royal fu-
neral to take up the cudgels against
America. Aside from that. it is evident
that he conduct of the Administration in
come, ton with the asphalt affair has
created decidedly bad impression, and
one which is deeply to be regretted, be-
cause it is based upon a matter as to
which this country was completely in the
wrong We need not repeat the argu-
ments in previous editorials showing the
absence of right on the part of the execu-
tive department of our Government to re
sort to arms in order to enforce claims
set up by an American trust and would
be monopoly. against the claims of Amer
lean citizens. both parties asserting rights
to the same property in Venezuela. When
within its rights and duty the United
States need not fear all Europe; but, il
the notion should get abroad that Repub
power of the trusts associated with it, 10
use the diplomacy and the army and navy
of the country to secure them immunity
from the laws and process of foreign
States in which they may be operating,
We shall be looked upon as a piratical
nation and the common enemy of man
kind