Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1906-12-05

condemned the oppression OF the ma
lions OF this part OF the world and the
control OF their destinies by the great
powers Of Europe"
1t is gratifying to know that in the
great city OF Buenos Ayres upon the
arches which spanned the streets In
twined with Argentine and American
flags for the reception OF our repre-
sentative there were emblazoned not
only the names OF Washington and
Jefferson and Marshall. but also. in
appreciative recognition of their serv-
fees to the cause Of South American In
dependence. the names Of James Mon
roe. John Quincy Adams. Henry Clay
and Richard Rush. We take especial
pleasure in the graceful courtesy OF
the government OF Brazil. which has
given to the beautiful and stately
building first used for the meeting OF
the conference the name OF "PalaciO
Monroe" Our grateful aeknowledg.
ments are due to the governments and
the people OF all the countries visited
by the secretary Of state for the cour-
-tesy. the friendship and the honor
shown to our country In their generous
hospitality to him.
In my message to you on the 9th OF
December, 1905. called your attention
to the embarrassment that might be
caused to this government by the as.
sertlOn by foreign natlOns OF the right
to collect by force OF arms contract
debts due By American republics TO
citizens OF the collecting nation and
70 the danger that the process OF com
pulsory collection might result in the
occupation OF territory tending to be
come permanent. | then said:
"Our own government has always re-
fused to enforce such contractual oh.
legations on behalf Of its citizens by
an appeal 70 arms. II Is much to be
wished that all foreign governments
would take the same view"
South American Debts.
THIS subject was one Of the topics OF
consideration az the conference at Rio,
and resolution was adopted by that
conference recommending to the re-
spectlve governments represented 'to
consider the ACCESSIBILITY OF asking the
second peace conference az The Hague
TO examine the question OF the compul-
sorry collection OF public debts and IN
general means tending 10 diminish
among nations conflicts Of purely pc
cunlary origin"
This resolution was supported by the
representatives OF the United States in
accordance with the following instruc-
tons:
1T has long been the established pol
Icy OF the United States not 10 use It's
armed forces for the collection OF or
dluary contract debts due TO is cIti-
gens by other governments. We have
not considered the use Of force for
such purpose consistent with that re
/ spect for the Independent sovereignty
/ OF other members OF the family OF ma
lions which Is the most important
/ principle OF International law and the
| chief protection OF weak nations against
the oppression 81 the strong. II seems
10 us that the practice Is Injurious In
lts general effect upon the relations OF
nations aud upon the welfare OF weak
and disordercd states. whose develop
ment ought 20 be encouraged In the
interests % civilization; that Il offers
frequent temptation 60 bullying and
oppression aud 10 unnecessary and un
iustlhable warfare. We regret that
other powers. whose opinions and
sense OF Justice We esteem highly. have
at times taken a dlferent view and
have permitted themselves, though We
believe with reluctance. 70 collect such
debts by force. II IL doubtless true
that the nonpayment % public debts
may be accompanied by such eircum
stances OF fraud and wronrdolng OF
violation OF treaties a. 70 justify the
use o. fore. This government would
De glad to see an international eOnsld
Grafton Of the subject which shall DIS
crimlnate betwccn snch eases and the
simple nonperformtncc Of CONTRACT
with a private person and q resolution
In favor % reliance upon peaceful
means In casos % the latter class
~tt Il not felt however. that the con
fcgence az rio should undertake %
make sneh a discrimination % % re-
solve upon such a rule. Nest % the
American countries are stil tellog an
l.paA while The eoaatries % EarO0c arr
the grv,lliurA If the Ria csatcTcace
| fhrrsFarr. yrrra 20 take anen Hrfiaa liz
voaid bsve the epnearanre e uee2
.ne 81 teai1rs Fesoivlus hcN ihe.r cCe3
ltNss shsu.d EST ami tha weud ne