Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-08-03
REASON FOR SENATE ACTION.
Enlargement Of Monroe Doctrine Due
to Activities at Masdalena Bay.

to Activities at Magdalena say.
Washington, Aug. 3.-The United
! States senate in it's warning to the ma
tions Of the world against encroach-
ment upon the continents OF North and
! South America. declares 1t Will not see
! without grave concern" any suitable
naval or military site pass into control
Of a foreign corporation, when such
possession might, threaten the COM
munications or the safety of the Unit
ed States"
So vital were the issues in the Lodge
resolution which set forth the policy OF
the United States as to points situated
like Magdalena bay, in Lower Califor-
mia, that the doors Of the senate were
closed for three hours, while the reso-
luton was debated in secret session.
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
Endorsement Of the administration.
1t was framed entirely outside the
state department, and 1t is understood
the executive branch OF the govern
ment was not consulted with regard to
the senate's pronouncemert.
The resolution arose from the report
ed attempt of Il Japanese syndicate to
secure land about Magdalena bay In
the form finally adopted by the senate
the resolution declares against the ac-
QUESTION Of any threatening location
by q foreign corporation. (which has
such a relation to another government
not American, SO as to give that gov
ernment practical power of control for
naval or military purposes"
Those who opposed the resolution on
its final passage were Senators Cum
Minis, McCumher, Percy and Stone.
Demand was made in the secret ses-
sion for the designation OF the coun-
try toward which the resolution was
directed.
Those who supported it. including
Senators Root, Lodge, Burton, Hitch
cock and others, declared it was not a
warning to any nation in particular but
definition of this countrys position
before embarrassing situations might
arise
Senator Cummins opposed the reso-
luton because he believed it was not
direct and specific enough. he said. In
its reference to the control of land by
foreign corporations.
Senator Lodge insisted the opening
of the Panama canal made 1t necessary
for the United States TO make clear al
once its opposition to the establish
ment Of any foreign power, either di-
rectly or thru commercial corpora
ton, where it might threaten the safe
ty Of this country.
What Is the real meaning OF this
resolution as it affects the Monroe doc
trine?" asked Senator Cummins. is
1t an extension or further application
Of that principle?"
The declaration rests on much
broader and older ground than the
Monroe doctrine" replied Senator
Lodge. "This resolution rests on the
generally accepted principle that every
nation has right to protect It's own
safety, and, If 1t. feels that the posses
sion OF any given harbor or place IS
prejudicial to its safety. 1t is its duty
and right to intervene"
Senator Lodge said the Monroe doc
triue did not touch on the precise point
involved in the Magdalena bay case
"rn this particular case" he said. 1T
became apparent from the inquiries
made that no government was trying
to get hold Of Magdalena bay. But 1t
did become apparent that certain peo-
pie were trying to dispose OF the land
about the bay TO q foreign corporation.
While government takes no possess
sion OF . place itself, possession may
~ taken by q foreign corporation that