The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-07-26
NOT yIOLATTvE OF THE MONROE
DOCTRINE

SOI NlOIAAITtE OF THE MONROE
DOCTRINE.
The Vroinadn is not prepared to endorse un-
reservedly the suggestion that Great Brtain's
proposal to cooperate with the United States
In the rehabilitation of Mexico be accepted, but
It can find nothing in the Monroe doctrine for
bidding such cooperation
In this we have reference to the basic prin-
cpe of the Monroe doctrine and not to that
doctrine as 1t has come to be interpreted Mon
roeism has been so variously interpreted that 1t
may enter into the discussion OF almost every
phase of policy in dealing with the Spanish
have been able to discover. no direct relation
between the doctrine enunciated during the
administration of President Monroe and the pro-
posa OF action toward Mexico in concert With
Great Britain or with other European nations.
The basic idea of the Monroe doctrine is the
preservation of repubicanism and the proven
ton of the extension In the Western Hemisphere
Of monarchy.
| 1t is true that the document declares that "the
American continents " /" are henceforth not
! to be considered as subjects for future COLOMBIA
ton by any European powers" but this declara.
ton was considered necessary prevention OF
acquisition of territory the only known
means of preventing extension OF the system of
government then not only approved by the pow.
ers of Europe, but at Mat very time enforced
by them upon another nation at the hayonets
point.
In proof that this conclusion Is the correct
one and that the denial of the right of others
to acquire territory upon the American CONT,
nents had this as it's governing cause. one has
but 10 read that portion of the Monroe declara-
ton which follows the sentence relating to colo
ntzation given above. The declaration tells of
the Intervention of the powers of Europe in the
internal affairs OF Spain and Portugal In the in.
terest of the monarchal governments OF those
countries. points out that the political system
of the allied powers is essentially different In
this respect, from that of America" that this
difference proceeds from that which exists In
their respective governments" and in plain terms
puts the world on notice that we should consider
any attempt on their part to extend their system
I to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
10 our peace and safety" The declaration then
outlines the attitude of this nation toward the
internal affairs OF European nations, washes the
hands of the United States of any responsibility
I for the forceful extension of the monarchal
system OF government in Europe but points out
that conditions in this hemisphere are different,
as the extension OF that system on this side the
ocean would constitute a menace to the United
States. and declares that at is impossible that
the allied powers should extend their political
system to any portion OF either contigent" OF
the Western Hemisphere. and equally impossi-
BILE that we should behnld- such- interpolation in
any form. with Indifference
The basic principle of the Monroe doctrine,
therefore, Is clearly the principle OF Republi.
can government In the Americas, and the de.
nia OF the right of colonization to the powers
way--of upholding this principle. That is all.
Accordingly, any Intervention by European
powers in the affairs OF Central and South
America If invited by us. is not subversve OF
the primary principles OF the Monroe doctrine,
II that Intervention has not for its object the
extension OF the monarchal system Of govern
ment to this hemisphere. Cooperation between
this country and Great Britain with the purpose
in view of rehabiitating Mexico could be under
taken without yielding one jot or one little Of