Arizona republican., 1910-07-15
PHoENIX, ARIZONA JULY Is. 1910
The Monroe Doctrine Becoming Obso

O
 denying that Germany proposes to
 have a show down" with the United
 States over the Monroe doctrine.
 These officials explain that whatever German opinions of the wisdom and justice of the Monroe doctrine may be, the German government has no intention, in the development of its relations with Nicaragua or any other power of running counter to the wishes of the United States. The good faith of these expressions can not be doubted. Germany is our sin cere friend, and is anxious to remain our friend
 These Berlin advices having once again made the Monroe doctrine a subject of public discussion it is an interesting coincidence that dispatches from South America report that Brazil and Chili are planning the formation of an alliance, the object of which shall be to counterbalance the policy and effect of the actions of the gov ernment of the American continent" Translated into simple English, this ponderous language means that two of the most powerful nations of South America have grown tired of Uncle Sam's protecting arm; that they do not thank the United States for its enforcement of the Monroe doctrine in their behalf, and are even suspic- ious of the intentions of our govern ment. It is no new thing for hints to come up from the so-called republics of South and Central America that they are not at all thankful for Amer ican supervision of their affairs.
 Thoughtful Americans are begin ming to ask, therefore, "Why should we continue to enforce the Monroe doctrine without modification?
 The United States is no longer in the situation it was when President Monroe laid down the doctrine that with the governments who have de- clared their independence and mani Tested it, and whose independence We have on great consideration and just principles acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of expressing them, or in any other manner controlling their destiny, than as a manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States" There was a double purpose in an nouncing this doctrine: The encour- agement of the republican form of government in Latin America, and the protection of the United States. The latter consideration was uppermost It was feared that if powerful European nations were permitted to gain a foot hold to the south of us, our then comparatively weak republic would be in danger of an easier invasion
 We have done our best to encourage and develop republican government among the Latin nations of the south The result is that today most of the so-called southern republics are mere despotisms. and we have few real friends among them. Gratitude for American protection is entirely ab- sent
 As to any danger of invasion by European powers from a South Amer ican or Central American base it no longer exists. Indeed, were any of the European powers to establish colonies in any of the southern coun- tries. such colonies could under no circumstances become a menace to the United States. In the first place, German colonists quickly become re- publicans, and English and French | colonists are republican to start with. | And were it to become our misfortune | to have a war with one of the great | European powers, their possession of | colonies in Central or South America would be a source of weakness rather than strength for the home govern ment-a foreign colony is generally more or less a hostage which the par ent government must protect instead of drawing military assistance there- from. For illustration. what help would the Philippines or Porto Rico be to the United States in war? None On the contrary. one of our most diff ficult and expensive tasks would be to protect them.
 We are beginning to think that it would be a fine thing for the civilization and progress of the world if for the anarchy that Is so common in the Latin republics there could be the stable government of Germany, Great Britain. or France all of them our good friends.
 It, of course, would not do to abandon the Monroe doctrine entirely.