The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-08-03
THE SENATE ISSUES A
WARNING TOPOWERS
Nations Are Warned to
Keep Hands Off
MR.. CUMMINS OPPOSES
Resolution Grows Out of Magdelena
Bay Incident-Lodge Says Mean
ing Is Broader Than
Monroe Doctrine
MIR. CUMMINS OPPOSES


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states Senate today ISSUED warning
to the nations of the world against en-
eroachment upon the continents of North
and South America. The United States
will not see without grave concern
said the Senate. any suitable naval or
military site pass into control of a for
eign corporation when such possession
might threaten communication or safe
ty of the United States
So vital were the issues discussed In
the Lodge resolution which set out the
policy OF the United States as to points
situated like Magdalena Bay. that the
resolution was debated in secret session
for three hours.
It finally passed with only four votes
against it. notwithstanding the COM
parative unanimity of the Senate upon the
note of warning. it is understood the
measure did not have the official indorse-
ment of the amendment. 1t was framed
entirely outside the state department and
II is understood the executive branch of
the government was not consulted.
Cause of Resolution
The resolution arose from q reported
attempt of a Japanese syndicate to get
land abont Magdalena Bay. In the form
finally adopted by the Senate II declares
against the acquisition of any threaten
ing location by foreign corporation.
which has such relation TO another
government not American as to give that
government practical power OF control
for naval or military purposes
Those who opposed the resolution on
its final passage were Senators Cummins
Mccumber. Percy and Stone. Demand
was made in the secret session of the
designation of the country toward which
the resolution was directed. Those who
supported 1t declared it was not a warn
ing to any nation in particular. but a
definition OF this country's position be
fore embarrassing situations might arise"
Senator Cummins opposed the resolu-
ton because he believed it was not direct
and specific enough, he said Senator
Lodge insisted the opening OF the Pan
anna canal made it necessary for the
United States to make clear at once its
position in such matters.
Senator Lodge calling up the resolution
framed TO record the disapproyal with
acquisition of any property by foreign
interests on the western hemisphere which
might eventually become military or naval
bases, declared that its passage was in
the interest of peace.
THE committee on foreign relations be-
ileve il correct the United States should
make its position known and should
not let situation arise in which it might
be necessary TO urge a friendly nation
70 Withdraw when that nation could not
do so without humiliation" Senator Lodge
said There is merely statement OF
policy to make clear this nations action
to be taken
Resolution and Monroe Doctrine
what is the rea meaning of this res
olution as it affects the Monroe dictrlne?''
asked Senator Cummins. rs IT an extern
sion or further application Of that prin-
ciple9'
'srhe declaration rests on a mucn
broader and older ground than the Mon
roe doctrine Senator Lodge replied
This resolution rests upon the generally
accepted principle that every nation has
right TO protect its own safety, and If
1t feels conditions warrant for the pos
session of harbor TO be protected II is
It's duty and right 10 intervene
Senator Lodge said the Monroe doctrine
did not touch on the precise point in
yolyed i'm the Magdalena bay case.
4.fn this case" he said. 'it becaIne APP
paren. that DO government was engaged
In trying to get hold of Magdalena bay.
But Il did appear that certain people were
trying to dispose OF the land about the
bsy 10 a foreign corporation. While u
government takes no possession of a place
itself. possession may be taken by for