The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-12
u, s. WEAKENS ON
MONROE DOCTRINE
One of CIeveIand'S ConsuIs Dis
cuSSeS Venezuelan Trouble
MAY COMBINE AGAINST US
Close Neighborhood of Venezuela to
IsthmIan Canal Is to Be Taken
Into Serious Consideration.
Interesting Review.
MAY COMBINE AGAINST US

Indianapolis, December 11.-Samuel e.
Morse, consul general at Paris in the last
administration Of President Cleveland.
was asked today what he thought of the
diplomatic and political difficulties that
now confronted the United States in Ven
ezuela, and what effect the occupation Of
Venezuelan territory by England and
Germany would have on the Monroe doc
trine of this nation.
MY opinion" said Mr.. Morse, rs that
the United States very materially weak
ened In its position on the Monroe dos
trine by its enterprises in the eastern
, hemisphere. Our course in China, how
ever, was conservative in comparison
with our course in the Philippines. Our
I government showed much wisdom in
China. 1t avoided anything looking to the
acquisition of territory or the establish
ing of any jurisdiction there. 1t seemed
to me very clear that the precedent we
have. established in the east would return
to plague us when the occasion arose.
Perhaps there has arisen cause for vigor-
Gus assertions of the maintenance of our
traditional opposition to European en-
croachments in the Americas.
Two Sections to Doctrine.
Now there were two sections of t.at
Monroe doctrine. one being coralary Of
the other. We were to absolutely abb
stain from interference of political af-
fairs. We have to absolutely abstain from
interference of political affairs of the old
world We were to resist in necessary the
acquisition of any additional foothold by
European powers in the new world.
1--WE have repudiated the decision which
would keep the American states of The
old world. This certainty has very great
" weakened the strength of our conten-
tion that European powers must not in
crease their territorial possessions In the
new world.
81 think the situation is grave. The
two greatest powers in Europe have come
together with at least sufficient griev-
ances against Venezuela to make plaus-
ible case under international law, and to
seize custom houses of Venezuela.
"They are obliged under the very neces-
stiles of the case to hold Venezuelan ter
ritory for an indefniate period. for they
are not going to abandon their claims.
Acquisition Inevitable.
THE ordinary resources of Venezuela,
as l read the reports are not sufficient
to meet these claims. The only way in
which Great Britain and Germany can
enforce payment. unless the United
States assumes or guarantees payment,
is by the acquisition of territory, and such
territory they would hold for an indefi-
mite period.
'It is not hard to foresee that they may
stay in Venezuela as long as England
has stayed in Egypt.
when one considers the present In
dustrial situation in the world, the grow
ing jealousy and apprehension of Europe
toward our commercial aggressions all
over the world the fear that this supre-
macy is bringing to Europe will seize
the opportunity here presented-should
we attempt to enforce the Monroe doc
trine-to form coalition of all the great
powers against the United States.
THE close neighborhood of Venezuela
to the isthmian canal. should these two
powers establish themselves there, Is also
to be taken into serious consideration"