The Washington times., 1902-12-22
SENATOR BACON FEARS
TROUBLE IS BREWING
Germany and England Have
UlteriOr Motive.
DEFENDS MONROE DOCTRINE
Says Gathering of Allies Fleets Means
More Than Show Against
Venezuela.

Senator Bacon Of Georgia is pessimis-
tic over the Venezuelan situation.
and does not hesitate to say that he
looks for trouble over the Monroe Doc
trine. Mr.. Bacon thinks the allies have
gone too far. He thinks the needlcssly
drastic measures with Venezuela indi-
cate the purposes Of Germany and Great
Britain.
Mr.. Bacon insists the doctrine will
continue 10 be s~forced. and when Il
was suggested tha; perhaps this coun-
Try might find convenient way out OF
embarrassing situations arising from the
non payment Of debts by the Central and
South American countries by paying
such debts. ne said no debts will be
paid by this country, but that the Mon
roe Doctrine viii be enforced in another
manner.
1T is perfectly apparent 70 me. said
the Senator. that We must either aban-
don or modify the Monroe Doctrine or
fight for it. [ am sure we shall not
modify It. and / am equally sure we shall
not abandon It. Then there is but one
conclusion. That is war sooner or la
ter.
An UlteriOr Purpose
Germany and Great Britain in the
Venezuelan crisis have had an ulterior
purpose in view which is apparent upon
its face For these two nations 20 de-
monstrate their naval strength before
venezeula means a g. eat deal more AN
simple declaration OF feeling against
Venezuela. A single battleship against
weak and helpless Venezuela would ac-
compllsh what a whole feet could do.
and therefore the congregation Of great
naval strength there means something
more. Everyone agrees, 1 think, that
there is something behind the scenes.
What that is is apparent without any
comment from me.
I believe" continued Mr. Bacon.
''that the present difficulty will be tided
over without our Government becoming
involved. But I believe that IL Ger
many and Great Britain we're TO con-
tinue their harsh measures trouble
would grow out Of the crisis in very
short time / am fearful as 10 the fu-
ture. Something may grow out OF IT,.
The European nations evidently do not
intend 10 submit TO the Monroe Doctrine
as we construe it. am opposed TO war,
but have no doubt that this doctrine
VIII lead TO war eventually.
Definition Of Doctrine.
81 do not agree with those who make
the general statement that the one vio-
lation Of the Monroe Doctrine exists in
the acquisition Of territory In the mes
sage sent TO Congress by President Mon
roe he expressly stated that any efforts
by European governments to oppress
country OF people upon this hemisphere
would be regarded as an indication Of an
unfriendly disposition toward the Amer
lean Government. and the same senti-
ment is to be found frequently in the di-
plomatic correspondence OF this Govern
ment with European powers relative 70
the Monroe Doctrine.
Nov. ] do not want to say that the
European governments involved intended
to oppress the Venezuelan government.
because do not want TO say anything at
this time which would in any manner
prove an obstacle to the arbitration plan
which has been proposed. and which, it
is to be hoped, will be carried out su"-
cessfuliy. In my opinion, however, the
action Of Great Britain and Germany has
been dangerously near the mark. Il is
difhcult to understand why such harsh
and drastic measures were necessary IN
dcaiirg with the utterly helpless Repub-
bic Of Venezuela. which could ofier no
resistance in any event"
Status of the United States.
when it was suggested that the United
states might be forced into the payment
of the Venezuelan debt. Senator Bacon
said.
Il do not believe that this Government
viii ever consent TO the payment of any
other nations debts. No such price for
maintaining the Monroe Doctrine viii be
paid. The doctrine viii be enforced in
another way.
Il am satisfied that Senators generally.
regardless Of political opinions, have re-
strained themselves from expressions
upon this question because they recog-
nize that IL is grave ana that they have
not wished to add to the difficulties OF
the situation by any intemperate speech.
This silence. pe.haps, has been mlsun-
derstood abroad. Our silence has not
been by any means IN he nature Of ac-
Cuiescence Everyone recognizes the
right Of a government 10 collect it's debts
from another government. but in this
case il appears 10 me that Great Britain
and Germany have gone too far"
CRAZED BY CIGARETTES.