The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-08-13
OUR ISTHMIAN DUTY.


New York Herald.
If ever the United States was face to face
with a perilous situation il is now. when
war with a European power may depend
upon the attitude adopted toward the Co
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. conflict.
Reduced to primary elements, this con-
fict is simple enough. Aided and abetted.
If not actually instigated to their action. by
Venezuela. n certain number of revolution
lists have arisen in armed rebellion against
the Colombian government. Although re-
ports from the seat of instruction are eX-
tremely meager, ii is pretty clear that TIE
insurgents are not only holding their own.
but are even gaining ground. 1T is. at any
rate, significant that the Colombian author
tiles, though masters of telegraph com
munication, limit their statements to vague
official generalities to the effect that the
rebels are being actively pursued. while. on
the other hand. the revolutionists manage
to smuggle through to the outside worlo
precise details OF victories at Furnace Bar
racoas and other points. details that phi
vate correspondence tends To stamp as
Were this conflict certain to be confined TO
the present combatants the United States
could afford to look on benevolently and
simply 'marquer les coupS." Such deSir-
able limitation, however, is barely possible.
There are too many vast and important for
e1gn interests 1eOpardiZed. too many secret
designs to be furthered by an espousal OF
the quarrel on one side or the other, for the
United States not TO prepare for the con-
tingency of European intervention.
Such intervention must infallibly hurl the
United States into the thick of the struggle.
1t would constitute a challenge TO the
American people TO enforce the Monroe
doctrine, and the challenge would have To
be taken up If the United States does not
wish to see that doctrine relegated into the
background as a political declaration OF
merely academic interest but OF no prac-
teal value. The only Intervention, i'm fact.
that the United States can permit, IL il is
to maintain its supremacy upon the Ameri-
can continent, must come from the United
States itself.
II the administration at Washington is
animated by a real, policy
and by "A spirit of sincere patriotism IL VIII
forestall any possibility of international
complications will Germany or England
by throwing all the weight of its authority
Into the scales upon the side of law and
order and In bringing TO an end the an
archy now relgning I'm territory over which
II claims moral jurisdictions
In fOrtifying the American continent with
an inviolable Monroe doctrine the United
States accepts "A responsibility toward Eu-
ropean powers, the responsibility of SAFE
guarding their legitimate commercial inter
ests. That responsibility cannot be shirked.
No concert of powers Is wanted or can be
tolerated in America. so the sooner the
United States realizes that IL must do Itself
all Jobs OF actual interference To bring the
chaotic crisis now existing i'm Colombia 10
an end the better IL will he for every one.
There can be no hesitation over the ques-
ton of which Of the two conflicting parties
has the greatest claims for moral support.
After showing It's contempt for Information
al courtesy by its scandalous treatment OF
Mr.. Loomis, the diplomatic representative
OF the United States; after displaying AN
utter disregard for common equity by the
oppressive treatment of American citizens,
Venezuela has apparently put into opera
ton her long cherished scheme by which IL
is intended TO bring about the incorporation
under Venezuelan rule OF Colombian terri
tory, for that the Colombian reDels are
merely agents or. or tools OF. Venezuelan
i%ntriguers Is scarcely open TO question.
This is the cohsidera don that will UNI
doubtedly influence Europe i'm deciding
which Of the two states Is the most deserv-
ing OF support. active or moral. IL * TO rob
any such projected Intervention OF "A raisOn
d'etre that the United States should come
ont frankly In favor of General Alban and
should give orders for an imposing naval
force to assemble in waters.
This IL no time for sentiment. VI H.
action. prOmDt action. that H. called for.
II - no question OF selecting the best ~
two canal routes that faces the United
States, but one involving It's absolute
supremacy on the American continent.
Action il Necessary 10 prove to Europe
that the United States regards the Monroe
doctrine MS something worth fighting for.
or dying for If need be: that IL looks upon
il az a vital principle Of it's national exist
ence. and to show that IL l. as ready 10
protect foreign Interests from internal up
heavals under that doctrine as IL il pre-
pared to defend domestic interests from
outside Interference.
For the time being. therefore. all minor
differences should be forgotten and all sem
tim entail prejuoIceS against Panama thrust
into the background. Ii Is upon the side 81
Colombia that the United State should
range itself. for the Central American re-
publics have to be saved from themselves
and Europe mus, not be given a chance Of
undertaking that work Of salvation. The
first Imperative step. consequently. j. FOR
the Washington administrator 10 dispatch
with all haste the strongest naval force
aVaila BILE 10 the Caribbean sea.
Already the English and French 'jineo
papers are accusing the United States 81
having designs upon the two wDrring re-
rublics. This T. not true. but II cannot
sanction any Interference upon the part uf
A European power. and the whole world
would read the concentration Of United
States naval strength IN Central American
waters az signifying hands of"