The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-05-30


European nations are conspiring to con
quer or Cypress our neighbors. Our
people are not demanding new presenta-
lions of the doctrine; none of our sister
republics asks for it's enforcement; it
does not form the text of any diplomat
iccontention between this and any other
government; still it confronts us, and
we must determine the true course to
be pursued.
the circumstances which he admitted
necessltated the announcement of the
Monroe doctrine, when the holy ALI
ance' Of Spain, France, Russia, Prus-
STA, and Austria was conspiring to as
slst ferdinand Of Spain regain his lost
western empires.
He stated that there was no common
ly,accepted Interpretation of the doc
trine other than the Roosevelt idea,
ment shall acquire or hold any new ter
ritory on the western hemisphere. If
this was the case, it was then apparent
to the superficial student of history
that the United States had not re-
trained from taking new territory,
Moreover, he asserted the southern re-
publics have had all Of the doctrine
they care for.
No Pan American Spirit.
"We need not,' said he. " disguise
the fact that other American republics
regard the United States with fear and
dlstrust. There is little in common be-
tween us. Their trade is largely with
Europe and they prefer it. Except Pan
ANA and Mexico they have little to do
with us. South of Venezuela they are
more convenient to Europe where are
the regular lines of travel and trade.
s. Under existing circumstances, why
should we insist upon, or even agitate,
republics, for whom the doctrine was
promulgated, no longer need our as
sistance, and they do not want it. On
the other hand, they spitefully resent
it and insult us for offering it. By
adhering to this doctrine we not only
offend the nations we propose to pro-
tect, but offer constant irritant to
an embryo threat Of what we will do
should they dare to do what they have
no idea of doing.
Why should we 20 out of the way
and involve ourselves in difficulties and
perhaps in war to shield and protect
such unstable revolutionary govern
ments as exist in these southern coun-
tries9 The best part of their popula-
lions, are Europeans. Their greatest
ried on by Europeans. They are in a
sad. condition at best, but would be
much worse were it not for the Euro
peans living there. If these Europeans
could be increased sufficiently for them
to take control of the governments and
run them on an honest basis, it would
benefit those republics and greatly in
crease the happiness Of their people.
What Benefit to United States?
"And the benefit to the United
States: Would not a stable govern
ment south Of us, such as Great Brit
ain, Holland or France could maintain,
be much better for us than the present
changeful and revolutionary govern
ments9 Compare these present govern
ments with the sound and stable gov
border. The president has wisely said
that we should not press this principle
unless we have the power to enforce it
and intend to do so. We would need
to be in constant readiness for war at
great expense. The big stick would
have to be always at hand. Not only
SO, but a combination Of powers and
render its enforcement impossible.
HFour. score years have passed since
James. Monroe left the presidential
chair, and in that time great changes
have taken place. We have grown and
developed, our commerce covers every
ocean and every sea. 1t behooves us
to look after our own people and our
own interests everywhere and avoid en-
tanglling alliances: We. have a great
seeing that southern republics pay their
I debts to European nations. al Let us
leave behind the dead past and look
we'll into the future. Let us honor.
ably discharge our own obligations and
| perform our own duties, instead of
meddling with the affairs of other ma,
tions. Let us deal honestly and do ex,
act justice to all, and if there is a
out, that we may see clearly the notes
that are in our neighbors' eyes. ~