The Washington times., 1915-12-07

There was time in the .sarly 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 encroachments or Of
forts at political control from the other
side OF the water; felt it its duty to
play the part even without invitation
from them; and l 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 self-government OF
her Independent peoples. But it 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 Is no claim
Of guardianship or thought of wards
but, instead, a full and honorable asso-
citation as of partners between ourselves
and our neighbors. in the interest Of all
America. north and south. Our concern
for the independence and prosperity OF
the states OF Central and South America
Is not altered We retain una bated the
spirit that has inspired us throughout
the whole life OF our Government and
which was so frankly put into words by
President Monroe We still mean al
ways to make common cause of ma
tional independence and of political lib
erty in America. But that purpose is
now better understood so far as II con-
10 70 l~a
selfish purpose. 1t Is known to have
In it 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 a footing of genuine equal.
ity and unauestioned independence.
We have been put to tho test in the
case of Mexico. and We have stood the
test. Whether we have henefted 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 adVan = gt
Of her in her distress and undertake &c
impose upon her an order and govern
nent of our own choosing. Liberty !!
>pften a fierce and intractable thing, I,
which no bounds can I've set. and Il
which no bounds OF a few mems choos
inr ought ever TO be set. Livery Ameri
can who has drunk at TIE true foun
tains of principle and tradition mus
subscribe without reserVatlon 70 th
hish doctrine of the Virginia Rjll o
Rights, which in the great days II
which cur Government was set up wa
everywhere amongst US accepted as IN
creed of free men. That doctrine Ii
THAT government is. or ought 20 be
instituted for the common benefit. pro
lection, and security OF the people. ma
ton or community" that of all IN
various modes and forms of govern
ment. that IL the best which Is capabl
OF producing the greatest degree o
happiness and safety, and is most Ell
fectually secured against the DANCER q
maladministration; snd that. when an
Fovernmen. shall he found inade1uat
or contrary to these purposes. ms
ic-itv 1f tho ,olHmUnitv hath an indu
hita hlf iual'enr he. and inteteasibl
mi f.. .. ror,, "Pr or abolish IT, /