Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1914-12-02
DEFINES MONROE DOCTRINE.
Ex-President Taft Discusses 1t In
Relation to European. War.


The Monroe doctrine was strongly in
dorsed, its relation to the present Euro
pean war discussed and declaration made
that interferences by the United States in
Mexico and Central American states have
had nothing to do with that doctrine, by
former President Taft in an address at
Montclair, n. j., Friday night. The fol-
lowing are some of the salient features of
his remarks:
1.-THE landing OF troops in Canada by
enemies OF Great Britain would not con-
stitute violation OF the doctrine, but an
effort to establish new form OF govern
ment in case of victory would be viola
ton.
"There is little likelihood of the policy
being pressed in Argentina, Brazil and
Chile. These countries are a BILE to protect
themselves, and they are so remote from
the United States that violation OF the
doctrine in respect to them would not be
harmful to this country's interests and
safety. The doctrine has not been APP
piled in Mexico because there is nothing
in it which requires the United States to
bring about peace in that country.
"Watchful waiting" MIR. Taft said, was
the term applied to the United States
status, but, be went on, 1--WE have neither
watched nor waited, but have, in fact, most
hastily interviewed, and thus find the pres
ent anarchy charged as the logical con-
sequence OF our policy"
Mr.. Taft found much good TO say about
the Monroe doctrine, and expressed the
hope that 1T might not be abandoned.
''It has made for peace for ninety
years." he said. "Why will it not make
for peace in the next one hundred yesrs?"
In taking up the proposition of Great
Britain's enemies landing troops in
tary Seward, taken when Spain declared
war on Chile. He announced that this
country would not interfere as long as one
country did not seek to intiict it's govern
ment on conquered people nor compel
permanent transfer OF their territory, nor
resort to any other upjustly oppressive
measure.
at seems to me clear" Mr.. Taft said,
"from the history which have given of
the Monroe doctrine and from Secretary
Stewards declaration in the case OF the
war between Chile and Spain, that q con-
sistent pursuit of the policy would not
require us to object to any warlike
measures under the rules of lawful war
which England's enemies might take
against Canada. Canada is already fur
nishing substantial military aid to Great
Britain and the allies. She has sent
body of 10000 men, weii-equipped
soldiers, and is preparing more and in
tending to send them. On what theory,
therefore, could we justly object to Ger
many's taking counter measures and car
rying the war into q country which is
waging war?
''All that the Monroe doctrine would
consistently require,,of us would be TO in
sist that when the war is over, il Germany
were successful, she could not take over
the territory of Canada and overthrow its
government and establish her own there,
or take any oppressive measures which
would have a similar effect. But we could
not object to her exacting an indemnity IL
she were the victor"
Mr.. TAFT saw little danger OF the policy
drawing this country into trouble with a
European nation soon, at least, one reason
being that the present struggle abroad
will leave the nations exhausted, and,
therefore, unlikely to begin new HOSTILE
ties.
"Were we to abandon the doctrine,n
be continued, "and thus in effect notify
. Ear hot O..
our remonstrance or interposition was
concerned, they might take possession of
Santo Domingo, Of Hayti, or OF any OF
the Central American republics, or OF any
South American republics that might be
disturbed by revolution and that might
give them some international excuse for
intervention, it would be but very short
time before we would be forced into con-
troversies that would be much more dam
gerous to the peace OF this hemisphere
than our continued assertion OF the doc
trine properly understood and limited
The c powers, be continued, under
stood that this country does not claim to
exercise any suzerainty over them and is
not rendering its guardianship as il they
needed it. He added that he thought it
would be a good thing If these powers
would join in unfolding the doctrine,
but move in this direction might cause
jealousy and suspicion among smaller
South American countries. As to such
countries as Hayti and Santo Domingo,
Mr.. Taft said the work OF the United
States there in settling uprisings had been
that of neighbor who sought to maintain
peace in the community.