The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1915-12-07

There was a time in the .Aarly days of
our own great nation and the republics
nghting their way to independence in
Central and South America when the
Government of the United States looked
upon itself as In some sort the guard
ian OF the republics to the south OF her
as against any Entertainments or ef-
forts at political control from the other
side Of the water; felt 1t its duty to
play the part even without invitation
from them; and think that we can
claim that the task was undertaken
with a true and disinterested enthu-
Siasm for the freedom OF the Americas
and the unmolested selt-gOvernment Of
her Independent peoples. But 1t was
always difficult to maintain such a
role without offense to the pride of the
peoples whose freedom of action we
sought to protect, and without prOvok-
ing serious misconceptions of our mo-
tives, and every thoughtful man OF af-
fairs must welcome the altered circum-
stances OF the new day in whose light
We now stand. when there IL no claim
Of, guardianship or thought OF wards
but, instead, a full and honorable ASSOC
citation as OF partners between ourselves
and our neighbors. in the interest of all
nOElu ana south. our concern
for the independence and prosperity OF
the states, of Central and South America
IL not altered. We retain undated the
spirit that has inspired us throughout
which was so frankly put into words by
President Monroe. We still mean al
ways to make a common cause of ma
tional independence and of political lib
erty in America. But that purpose Is
now better understood so far as Il con-
Germs ourselves. 1t is known not to be
a selfish purpose 1t Is known to have
In 1t no thought OF taking advantage
OF any government in this hemisphere
or playing its political fortunes for our
own benefit All the governments of
America stand. so far as we are con-
cerned, upon footing of genuine equal
ity and unquestioned Independence.
We have been put to the test In the
case of Mexico. and we have stood the
test Whether we have heneAted Mex
leo by the course we have pursued re-
mains to be seen. Her fortunes are in
her own hands. But we have at least
proved that we will not take adVanta &c
of her in her distress ard undertake "a
impose upon her an order ana govern
nlent OF our own choosing; Liberty IL
>pften a fierce and intractable thing, 4
which no bounds can be set, and tC
which no bounds OF a few mems chOOs'
inE ought ever to be set. livery Ameri
can who has drunk at TIE true foun
tAins OF principle and tradition mus
subscribe without reserystion 70 th'
hIgh doctrine OF the Virginia bill o.
Rights, which in the great days II
which cur Government was set up wa
everywhere amongst US accepted as tn
creed OF free men. That doctrine IL
''That government is. or ought TO be
instituted for the common beneEt. pro
lection, ana security OF the people. ma
ton, or community" that "of all tn
various modes and forms Of govern
ment. that Is the best which IL capabl
OF producing the greatest degree o
happiness and safety. and Is most ef
fectuallV secured against the danger O
naladminiStration; and that. when an
KoveTnment shall be found inadequat
or contrary 20 these purposes. ms
icritV NJ the COMMUNITY hath an indu
hitablF. inalienS he, and indefeasibl
~ al t. r..foru' Ter or abolish w.. y