Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1913-02-06

THE MONROE DOCTRINE.
Communicated

Communicated
The value Of the Monroe Doctrine Sc
factor in our foreign relations is de-
termined more or less by our consider
alton Of its policies.
Justly jealous Of transoceanic en-
croachment and interference in the
government Of the Western Henri
sphere. It commands rs to discourage
and resist any such movement and in
the hope Of creating respectful accept
anee Of our wishes. and admonishes US
to avoid all foreign entanglements.
That We are conscious Of, and appre-
ciate this instrument, is evidenced Wv
idly by the excitement created at the
least intimation Of Disregard for it by
nations without its pale.
However, it is chip on our shoulder,
which if knocked off means fight. OBJ
viously we should have careful re-
gard for its limits, and keep well with
in them in the avoidance of that dan
ger. And further. we should seek
every method of strengthening our re-
lations with our neighbors, who are
equally interested with us.
Our Interpretation of its tenets as
demonstrated by our, foreign policy for
the last thirty years or more. is open
to considerable criticism.
- Colonial Asgrandizement
Ehe war with Spain and our attitude
toward brother nations of the South
and Central America will show polite
thoughtlessness as to its meaning and
utter careiessness as to its application.
OUTLYING possessions are menace
in time of trouble. non-supporting in
time of peace, and are almost impossi-
bic of fusion with our representative
system of Government. The chance
of their disturbing the equilibrium of
the Monroe Doctrine much more than
counterbalanees their imaginary value.
The policy of Cleveland's admins
tration which restored the throne of
Hawaii co Queen Liiiokalaini should
have been adhered to- An alliance of
the American Republics in protecto-
rate over that little nation would have
given US the same strategic advantage
in time of war we ntw have, and this
expression of common interest would
have gone far towards creating more
friendly feeling between the North and
South American nations than now
exists
The war with Spain was mistake.
Mckinley was very loa,he to declare it.
1t is competent opinion that bad his
| Cabinet been constructed of proper
timber, war would not have happ ned.
Senator Morgan of Alabama had Of
fered resolution recognizing the Gu
ban Republic, ard according to them
the rights of belligerents Had this
resolution prevailed, there is small
doubt that Cuba would have liherated
herself. For with this legitimate door
open, hordes of sympathizers and tons
/ of war material would have found
their way somehow to the assistance
OF the patriots and that was all they
needed: Consistency with the Monroe
theory PRODUCTION of foreign influence
in America) would have warranted the
| possible strain of our relations with
Spain, which this action might have
entailed. Then we could have wait ed
for Spain to take the initiative. Tt
| jump bodily into the fray as we die
and for the reason we announced. was
Quixotic. And to capture the Phillip.
pines and not only retaiu them but te
pay $40, 900, 900 for them is not under.
4standable to Monroe doctrinaire.
4 Don Quixote never could have equalec
that.
Our suzerainty of Cuba seems tx
have affected our government in, way
that is looked upon by our neighbors
as supercilious This feeling on theil
part is warranted they think because
of our apparent presumption of re
4 sponsibility for every little pnlitica
eruption that takes place from Mexico
to Patagonia.
I It is raising their ire and resentment
where hearty cooperation is necessary
ane should exist. DR.. Leima, Brazil
Ian diplomat, criticises this patronizine
attitude of ours with severity and sug
j gests a clearer definition Of this 4'valu
able bond.
/ In union there is strength. The IN
ion of North and South America woule
be irresistible, if in full accord If it i.
true they are not SO, we should see tina
lit is through no fault of ours.
4 'tS'