New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-09
DOMINICAN QUESTION UP
Presidents Policy Criticised by
Senator Rayner.

I
usual tribute to comparatively new member
to-day when Senator Rayner delivered his
maiden speech Senators gathered from all
parts of the Capitol practically filling 'he
chamber and listening with close attention
When he ceased speaking many Senators con-
graduated him.
Senator Rayner addressing himself to a reso-
luton protesting against the United States max
ing itself responsible to any foreign nation Tor
the debts of any American republic. outlined ms
conception of the Monroe Doctrine, traced It's
history. and declared that the conception of that
international policy advanced by the President
in the message which accompanied the Donh-
gan treaty to the Senate, was wholly new anu
not corollary of the doctrine. but an innova-
ton which should he copyrighted as the 'DliilFs
ham Doctrine" or the Roosevelt Doctrine
While Mr.. Rayner's remarks were IN ele iil'ii'
at wide variance with the views of the ma
ioritv. his elouuence and charm of delivery were
appreciated and as he dealt chiefly IN general
/ tiles rather than discussed details, there ap-
peared no disposition to reply At one point ne
diverged from his subject and paid his respects
to Russia in connection with the treatment Oh
Hebrews in that country. Throughout MS re-
marks the Senator from Maryland referred 10
the President with the utmost respect, ana at
one point paid glowing tribute to the ability OF
Secretary Hay.
eft is not 1ntenClOH, Sdiu MI iC7SifNf' -
| ANYTHING that I may say, to cast the slightest
reflection upon the administration of the De-
nartn1ent of State While the questions at issue
require knowledge of constitutional and IN
ternationaI Jurisprudence, NE all agree that the
late lamented occupant of this portfolio upon the
field of diplomacy was at least the peer Of the
brilliant line who preceded him and who have
left the impress of their genius stamped upon
the institutions of the republic, and in far
as the President is concerned. feeling that he
has been actuated by the best and highest i'm
pulses in the whole course of his adninistra-
ton, and believing in his sincerity and integrity
of purpose no earping criticism shall come from
me even in cases where he may have challenged
precedent and strained authority to secure what
in his judgment appeared to be a benefit and
advantage to his country I subscribe to every
sentiment of the Monroe Doctrine that is the
genuine doctrine. the old text and not the
vised edition, the original document and not the
counterfeit presentment.
The men who over three-quarters of cen
fury ago rang proclamation through the world
that at that time convulsed the political fabric
of Continental Europe would never, if living at
this hour admit the construction that is now
! placed upon it, and its founders and sponsors
| would never recognize it in its deformed and
| distorted shape. When the President issues a
! manifesto that is the product of his own genius
it ought to be circulated under the name of its
| author, and in vindication of the memory of the
| dead and in defence of their rights I protest
against the use of their names to any instru-
ment that does not bear their signatures and to
any doctrine that was never promulgated by
| their authority"
Mr.. Rayner denied that the President
| forcing national policy, and quoted from JEFF
ferson, Adams and Monroe to sustain his con-
tention II was never intended, he said, that
we should assume a protectorate, political
financial over the ISLANDS of the Caribbean or
the Latin-American republics.
The present policy, or the Roosevelt Doc
| trine" he said embodied the following PROPOSE
tons:
First-The only way. except by actual war
that one nation can forcibIy collect a money
claim against another is by blockade lombard
1nent or the seizure of its custom houses, ana
under the accepted law of nations foreign gov
ernments are within their rights, if they choose
TO exercise it, when they actively intervene IN
support of the contractual claims of their SUD
Second-The United States then becomes
party in interest. so far as American states aIe
concerned because under the Monroe Doctrine
II could not see any European power seize ana
occupy the territory Of any of those repubhcsr
..r,pon the first proposition continued Mr.
Rayner Il respectfully deny that foreign ma
ions are within their rights when they actively
intervene in favor of the contractual claims Of
tCAS4Ni'NN
President this proposition is at war with the
elementary principles of international law
There are some exceptions that sustain his
statement in countries where anarchy and
failure TO administer justice prevail, but, with
am exception in cases that are sui generis, the
rule is an infiexibe and unhcnding pre-
ciselx 10 the contrary tenor Of what the Prea-
dent states il 10 be In this country nearly
every Secretary of state. including Madison,
Adams Clay Webster cI1a9un. Marcy. Sew
ard and Blaine, given the broad denial to
suggestions of this charaetcv SO thar until this
new, doctrine was promulgated il was consid-
cred a Dostulate and q fundamental maxim of
international law that governments would not
interfere IN behalf of the contractual claims OF
their citizens. except through the channels OF
diplomacy and the proper presentation of the
claims by their ministers.
II seems TO me that the President is equally
in error if we are all TO be controlled by usage
or precedent in stating that the seizure of
custom house and d blockade equivalent TO
the seizure of territory within the meaning OF /
The Monroe Doctrine. and that il is DUTY
10 interfere in Central and South America II
foreign governments attempt 10 enforce their
rights by this method. If the citizens of for
eiPn governments subjected to invasion OF
their rights with the conniVance of any or the !
republics of Central South America. and after /
every effort made obtain indemnity without I
avail foreign governments proceed 10 place the I
revenues Of the offending government under /
their control. as TO obtain redress. l deny !
that there is any seizure of territory within the
meaning Of the Monroe Doctrine 10 invoke our /
Interference.
that no treaty with foreign nations and no com |
pact convention protocol in the nature OF a !
treaty shall be performed and carried into pfac-
teal effect. and 10 custom mouse snail be Sel%Si'
NJ, revenues administered. 10 status quo estab- |
ljshed bv any minister military cofnnaftdef
until the act Of the agent is eonfirmed ny IN, me
e H. tFET s