The Washington times., 1901-08-25

The proclamation of Marroquin, the
dictator of Colombia, practically declar-
ing war against Venezuela, and author
izing his department governors to "ex-
propriate" property, TO levy forced
loans, and to conduct hostile operations
each in his own jurisdiction at once,
renders acute the question of American
duty in the premises. There is not a
scintilla of doubt that the Administra-
ton has the inclination TO intervene in
the quarrel between Colombia and Ven
ezuela, fomented by the former in the
interests of the reactionary rebel An
drade, whose affection for the Asphalt
Trust is so notorious. There may, how
ever, be some doubt that such action
will be ventured upon. A difference ex-
lists between desire and ability under
the law and in view of public opinion.
European papers refer sarcastically
to the elimination by American diplo-
matists of a treaty dating from 1876
with Colombia, by the terms of which
this country is empowered to preserve
open traffic across the Isthmus of Pan
anna when Colombia is unable to- and
undertakes to guarantee the sovereign
ty of that State upon the isthmus. The
authority, to be sure. is rather ancient,
but since the de facto Government of
Colombia and the United States stand
by it, the convention cannot be con-
sidered as lapsed. So we may admit
that the United States would be within
its rights in landing force on the 18TH
mus TO hold Colon, Panama the Pana-
ma Railway, and the contiguous terri
tory for the dictator Mdrroquin until
such time as he should De overthrow,
and a republic established. Then. both
rule and practice would demand recog-
milton of the new Government.
American interests" which ii is pop
ularly believed the Administration has
in view in supporting the dictatorship
of Marroquin against the Colombian
constitutional party now in arms
against his usurpation, and also in ia
voring what is known as the Asphalt
Andrade insurreetion against General
Castro and the Liberal Government of
Venezuela, are apt to involve our au-
thorities in dilemma. By straining a
point, IT is possible that, once on the
shore of the isthmus the Administra-
ton might, upon the request of Mario
quin, use its land and naval forces to
put down the patriots who are strug-
Cling to overthrow him. without violat-
ing the settled principles of information
al law. On this subject Dr. Woolsey,
leading American authority says
mo State is authorized to render assistance
10 provinces or eosonies which are in revolt
against the established Government. On
The other hand, there is nothing In the law Of
nations which forbids nation TO render as
sistance to the established Government if its
assistance is invoked; though this Is most IN
usual unless there are peculiar interests TO he
ser%ed. The rule of non-interierence IN
the affairs Of other States is established prin
ciple. Whatever be the interference IL
can be justified only extreme measure, and
on one Of the two following grounds:
''First-Th3t 1t Is demanded by self-preser-
Walton. second-That some extraordinary state
OF things is brought about by the crime OF a
Government against its subjects"
If the Administration is 70 be gov
erned by the principles and rules of in
ternational law, il will be deduced from
the foregoing that while it might help
Marroquin 10 crush the spirit of liberty
and constitutionalism in Colombia, it
would be estopped from carrying its in
reference TO the length of aiding and
abetting the Asphalt Andrade rebels in
Venezuela against their Government.
We may pass by the dicta of Woolsey |
and other great text writers on the |
question of the justification of inter- |
ference or intervention. II Is not con-
ceivable that such considerations would |
weigh grain in the balance of our |
isthmiaD or South American policy. On |
the other hand, the interests Of Euro |
pean Powers in the theatre of threat |
ened interference might exert an iinpor- |
tant influence upon our policy and ac- |
ton. II it be competent for us to Join |
with the dictator Marroquin In sup |,
pressing Colombian freedom, strictly, |
OF course, for the purpose OF protecting |
American interests and property" what |
Is to prevent Germany. England or |
France, or all three, from interfering TO /
save their subjects or citizens engaged |
In peaceful pursuits in Colombia from
being ruined by forced loans and ex- |
exscted by his governors, |
or from being impressed into his army? |
Certainly the Monroe Doctrine could |
not be invoked against such Interior |
ence. That great utterance OF a grea: |
President did not contain anything ap-