The Washington times., 1905-12-05


for peace is the Monroe Doctrine as It
has been and is being gradually develop
ed by this Nation and accepted by other
nations.
No other policy could have been as
efficient in promoting peace in the
Western Hemisphere and in giving to
each nation thereon the chance to de-
velop along it's own lines.
If we had refused to apply the doc
trine TO changing conditions 10 usouia
now be completely outworn, would not
meet any of the needs of the present
day, and indeed would probably By shis
time have sunk into complete Oblivion.
It is useful at home, and is meeting
with recognition abroad because we
have adapted our application Of it to
meet the growing and changing needs
of the Hemisphere. When we announce
pollCE, such es the Monroe Doctrine.
we thereby commit ourselves to the con-
sequences of the policy, and those con-
sequences from time to time alter. II
is out of the question to claim a right
and yet shirk the responsibility for its
exercise.
Not only we. but all American Re-
publics who are benefited by the exist
ence of the Doctrine, must recognize
the obligations each nation is under
as regards foreign peoples no less than
its duty 10 insist upon It's own rights.
That our rights and interests are
deeply concerned in the maintenance of
the doctrine Is so clear as hardly to
need argument This Is especially true
in view of the construction of the Pan
anna canal AS a mere matter of self
defense we must exercise a close watch
over the approaches TO this canal: and
this means that we must be thoroughly
alive to our interests in the Caribbean
sea.
Not for Aggrandizement.
There are certain essential points
which must never be forgotten as re-
CARDS the Monroe Doctrine. In the first
place we must as a nation make il
evident that we do not intend to treat
II in any shape or way as an excuse for
aggrandizement on our part at the ex-
pense of the republics TO the south.
We must recognize the fact that in
some South American countries there
has been much suspicion lest we should
interpret the Monroe Doctrine as in
some way inimical TO their interests,
and we must try TO convince all the
other nations OF this continent once and
for all that no Just and orderly govern
ment has anything TO fear from US.
There are certain republics TO the
south of US which have already reach
ed such point of stability. order. and
prosperity that they themselves, though
as vet hardly consciously. are among
the guaranturs OF this doctrine. These
republics We now meet not only on a
basis of entire equality. but in a spirit
Of frank and respectful friendship.
which we hope is mutual. If all Of the
republics TO the south Of us will only
grow as those to which l allude have
already grown, all need for US to be the
especial champions of the doctrine Will
disappear. for no stable and growing
American Republic wishes to see some
great n-Americar military power ac-
quire territory in its neighborhood.
Desires Continents Happiness.
All that this country desires is that
the ether republics on this continent
shall be happy and prosperous; and
they cannot be happy and prosperous
unless they maintain order within their
boundaries and behave with a just re-
gard for their obligations toward out
siders.
Tt must be understood that under no
circumstances will the United States
use the Monroe Doctrine as a cloak for
territorial aggression. We desire peace