The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-31
Two Ways Only.


parent to everybody. 1t adjourned on
Saturday, March IS, without having
either ratified or rejected the Santo
Domingo treaty. The Senators went
homo believing that the important ques-
tions involved in that proposed conven-
ton could safely be left for decision
until next October, November or Deem
Der, and that investigation and the course
Of events meanwhile would facilitate In
telligent action upon the treaty.
The President Of the United States,
however, beleves-and no one doubts
the sincerity Of his conviction " the dis
interested patriotism Of his impulse
that Santo Domingo cannot be let alone
until next autumn or winter without
serious danger Of the entrance OF Euro
pean Powers in . manner and for q
purpose which would probably lead to
conflict with the United States over the
Monroe Doctrine. To avert q possible
war the Executive independently decides
upon line Of policy which IL incorrectly
described as a modus vivendi; and he
proceeds upon his own responsibility TO
put the same into operation In foreign
territory. The navy is already there TO
prevent disorder
This illustrates, says one Washington
correspondent, "the fearlessness Of Presl-
dent ROOSEVELT when he believes he is
right and is following a high minded
policy
But neither the fearlessness Of the
President nor the highmindedness Of his
policies requires any illustration what
soever. Both are taken for granted uni
versally. II is not question Of what he
believes or thinks right or dsres TO do,
but solely Of the limitations Of his lawful
authority. His power to begin, even
temporarily and tentatively, the admin
istration 9f the finances Of a foreign
country Apf the benefit Of foreign credi-
tors, and the policing Of foreign territory
for the protection Of foreign Govern
ment against instruction and disorder,
Is question Of law. not Of personal dis
position or Of purity Of motive or sagao-
ity OF foresight. He is an officer Of a
constitutional government.
Such a national enterprise as is pro-
posed with respect to Santo Domingo
can be inaugurated constitutionally In
two ways. and in two ways only:
1. The ratification by the United
States Senate Of treaty, the provisions
OF the treaty thus becoming the supreme
law Of the land, and consequently inn
posing lawful duties and functions upon
the Executive;
?. The adoption by both houses Of
Congress Of a Joint resolution enacting
the policy into Law, and likewise imposing
lawful duties and functions upon the
President.
No legerdemain'with phrases can add
to-the foregoing short list q third method
Of accomplishing what President RoosR-
WELT believes ought 70 be done in Santo
Domingo for the'peao and welfare Of
the Omitted States.
II tho Senate has made q mistake in
adjourning without action on the treaty,
it is within the power Of the President
TO summon It back TO Washington TO
complete its'work.
II there is no prospect Of securing a
twoIthirds vote In the Senate for a meas
ure which the President deems neoes-
-sary as safeguard against national
embodiment, II is In his power to CON-
vene Congress at once and 10 ask for the
adoption by majority vote in the SEN
ate and majority vote In the House Of
Representatives Of . joint resolution
which, quite as effectively as a Treaty,
will give 10 his Santo Domingo policy
the indispensable authority Of law.