New-York tribune., 1907-01-17

Root has already said to you has my full and
unqualified Endorsement.
First. as TO our relations with the Dominican
Republic. The United States holds and must
hold peculiar position In the Western Hemi-
sphere This position must never be one Of op-
preston or Of aggression toward her weaker
helghbors; 1t must be one OF hepfulness toward
theini OF helping them TO stand on their own
Ieet. Under Mr.. Roots guidance we are now
endeavoring 10 secure by treaty with Santo
domingo an arrangement designed to make IL
absolutely unnecessary for this country ever
TO uink OF Intervention in Santo Domingo be-
cause 1t is an effort to prevent the possibility
would necessitate such intervention Two years
ago things In the island got into such a shape
that we became satisfied certain European pow
ers, II we did not take some steps to better con-
ditions, would themselves take possession OF
certain ports in the island. We had TO act 10
prevent action by others. Since then have
been striving to develop some scheme by which
Santo Domingo could a financial pros
perity and stability that would enable her to
pay the just debts that she owed to outsiders
while at the same time being free from any
possibility of aggression by outsiders or by our
selves. | Will not go into details OF the present
arrangement-an arrangement yet in part,
but tentative-but the salient features are that
we are trying to negotiate a treaty by which
we shall loan to Santo Domingo certain TO
collect the customs revenues 40 per cent TO be
turned over to the government of the island for
It's own expenses, the remainder to be applied
in accordance with the agreement entered into
between the republic and her creditors for the
settlement of her debts.
second, as TO the consular service recon-
mended the passage Of a law to secure these
ends by Congress. There has been some little
question as to whether such law would be
constitutional, because 1t limits the power Of
appointment, its opponents expressing the most
ardent desire that my constitutional powers
should not be infrnged upon-a solictude gem
temen, TO which 1 am totally unaccustomed.
Without discussing the constitutional question
raised I may say that as Congress did not
limit my appointing power, Secretary Root did,
and we adopted regulations which in effect put
into force the measure as you recommended
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that very great improvement has been worked
in the consular service. I want to say here,
however. that do not believe In restricting the
power OF removal
very much wish that the Congress would at
least pass resolution expressing approval of
the action of the administration in establishing
this system of regulation That would largely
accomplish our object of putting the system on
a permanent basis
MR.. ROOTS TRIP.
Referring to Secretary Roots South American
trir the President said:
Mr.. Root found there was general feeling
down there among the people themselves and
among Americans there resident that. in addi-
ton to political frendliness needed COM
mercal intimacy, and that it quite impos-
sible to get such commercial intimacy without
q far better system of communicate tion between
North and South America. bill has been pre-
pared almost exactly in line with Secretary
Roots Kansas City speech and with the recon-
mendations Iat contained in the reports of the
merce and Labor This bill is an absolute ne
cessity II we are to meet foreign competition.
AZ Again' ,e need shpyards in this country as
well employed on large projects Of construction
or they cannot be thoroughly efficient. The
Monroe Doctrine is involved and, gentlemen,
there Is not In all the world doctrine advanced
by any civilized power which is more emphati-
cally In the interest of the peace of the world
than the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine
Is, of course, essentially that has reference
to South and Central America. This bill devotes
annually little over 100000 to building
twenty fast steamers for the South American
lines Surely our people will not be content to
lag behind others in the peaceful and friendly
contest to see which nation can best do its full
share OF the commercial work of the Pacific
In our foreign policy our aim must be to treat
with scrupulous fairness and justice every for
eign power. European Asiatic, large or small
to treat every foreign power upon the basis
OF asking nothing from any of them that we
do not gladly do in return. Let not give
any other nation any cause for offence and. on
the other hand. keep our navy at such a pitch
Of efficiency as TO make IT. q strong provocative
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