The semi-weekly messenger., 1906-09-04
WILMINGTON. n C.
Tuesday, Sept. 4, 1906.
THE PIATT AMENDMENT.

The instruction in Cuba is spread
ng with such rapidity and assuming
such proportions as to almost amount
10 a revolution. In the meantime the
government is moving very slowly in
its preparations to check the revolt.
The administration either was taken
entirely by surprise or is without
means to meet the insurgent forces.
No doubt the government officials had
an idea that in case Of serious distur-
Dances the United States would, under
the provisions OF the Platt amendment,
come to their aid and that United
States soldiers would be used to sup
press any serious disturbances. SO
far, they have had no encouragement
to this effect from the Washington
government. The Durham Herald re-
marked Il few days ago thai the surest
way to have the Cuban government
suppress the insurrect1on was to let
it be distinctly understood that our
government would take no hand in it's
suppression.
No doubt that would have the eff
feet Of stirring the Cuban government
officials to greater activity; but can
this government give such assurances? :?
The PIatt amendment does not simply
reserve to our government the right
TO interfere by force Of arms WhenI
conditions on the island threaten de-
stTuctiOn of the lives and property of
citizens of the United States, but 1t is
in the nature of a guarantee to other
powers that the lives and property of
their subjects On the island will
be protected and that should a time
come when the Cuban government
cannot insure thett' safety she will in
terfer for the purpose OF doing so.
There was a twO-tOld purpose in as
ment One was in order to induce for
eign capital TO seek investment in Cuba
for the purpose of aiding in her devel
opmeHt and other was to allay any
feelings Qf UUeasiuess on the part Of,
the rowerers Of Europe and to prevents
the possibility of any complications
under ,he NUnrOe doctrine arising in
regard to The rights of those powers
TO interfere with Cuba in behalf of any
Of their subjects in case Of loss by
them through political disturbances on
the island
The Platt amendment was not q one
sided affair by any means. 1t did not
simply give this government the right
of interference when it found it neces
sary 10 do s. In order to protect the
lives and property OF our own citizens
1n the island: but it also obligated it to
do So when the same conditions exist
cd in regard to the subjects Of other
s,0wers. It was in the nature Of a
contract with the European powers
stipulatins that our government would
look after the rights and interests of
the people in Cuba if these powers
would not attempt to override the
principles of the AIunr0e doctrine. and
the terms OF the contract were tacit-
" accepted.
If this is correct view of the mean
inG and intent OF the Platt amend
mem. then our government cannot
let II he distinctly understood that it
will take NJ hand in the suppression
of The revolt We're it TO do this ii
would have no right 10 complain OF
any power Of Europe which undertook
BY force Cf arms to protect the lives
and property ct such of its subjects
as were put in jeopardy because Of the
revolution.
l. is E very RESPONSIBLE position Oul
government occupies and is a most
delicate question 10 decide when con.
Gi,ions call for interference TO prevent
similar action being taken by SONS
other power, tEe-hy bringing inJc
QUESTION the rights OF the government
under the lIunroe doctrine.
1t would be a S~eat pity 10 be forced
to jeodhardize the lives of American
soldiers in a cause of so little enteres
TO Us, but if the revolution continues
We do not seew how it can be avoided
D-bcr Nv pr1-ao oo,,ooc +o O,,- cta r.