Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1913-11-04
Monroe Doctrine and Mexico

There doubtless are thousands of Americans who
at this moment are wondering in what cnanner the
Monroe doctrine is to be applied to the Mexican stu
alton by our national administration. For it has
never been made clear by what Authority under that
historic policy the American government has refused
to recognize the right of European governments TO
exercise ordinary precautions the protection OF
their subjects in the Mexican republic. The Monroe
doctrine was evolved from What John Quincy Adams
considered peculiar emergency. And in its specif
cations nothing is more emphasized than the declara
ton that no European power shall acquire con
trolling influence" in the western hemisphere. The
fear that was uppernost in the minds Of Mr.. Adams
and President Monroe was that European nations,
notably Germany at that time, would attempt e.
tensive colonization plans in Latin America and in
t, i? way gain controlling influence"
Conditions in the republic Of Mexico today in
10 way analogous to the conditions which brought
frrth tho Monroe doctrine, and by stretch of the
'n;a?i1 alton could it be presumed that the simple and
r,,;cTari act Of protecting foreign citizens in Mex
vov,1 hc an effort to establish controlling in
ilcncc. Ensand tentatively proposed that it should
cooperate with he United States and other nations
TO bring about peace in Mexico and thereby insure
safety the persons and property of subjects of for
eign nations in that disturbed republic There was
nothing unusual or alarming in this attitude. To
certain extent, England and Germany have Monroe
doctrine in the Orient, but all rights under it were
waived when the allied troops went to Picking to
rescue the foreigners of all nations who were mper
lied there.
Manifestly it would be substantial relief if the
United States could today divide the responsibilities
which it is facing to the south. And, to many minds
there does not appear any good reason why anicablc
international cooperation could not be effected in
Mexico as was done in China When the allied troops
any controlling influence" which did MOI exist pre-
viously. reafrnation Of the Monroe doctrine at
this time is not simplifcation Of the problem Should
the United States Germany, England and France
join forces in a demonstration before Vera Cruz i.
would have tremendous pacific influence upon Huer-
about peace ia Mexico within few weeks if they
really wanted to do so. Hucrta has executed a coup
in forcing upon the United States a reaIirmation OF
tho Monroe doctrine as applicable to the present
situation hcn it is not necessarily so. It is easier
for Huerta to defy and hold at bay one nation than
many. We cannot escape the great fact that an at
tempt on OUR part to pacify Mexico would involve
long and difficult task. But if hold rigidy to the
present emergency this task must be ours and
alone. All that hope for in Mexico is for restora-
ton of peace and that is the common desire Of for
esn nations. 1t may be all very well for us to preen
ourselves on being the policeman" Of the western
hemisphere but in maintaining order it would be
with us in this purpose. "Es~t