Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-02-16

Editor Morning Journals
one Of the important questions Of
the hour Is whether there is proper
Understanding Of the meaning and
intent Of Pan-Americanlan and the
Monroe doctrine
Prudential considerations would
seem to admonish our nation that be-
fore It commits itself irretrlevably to
the adoption and endorsement Of the
above policy II should consider well It's
merits and dement's and what bear
ing its fulfilmcnt would have upon
our standing as a neutral at the pres
ent time or upon our future interna-
tional relations, II would not be good
policy " hurrledly endorse any plan
Of action that might defeat the intent
and that could not be maintained sue
ccssfully In the future.
Closely allied Doctrines.
It lis generally understood that Pan
Amcricanism and the Monroe doc
trine are closely allied and spring from
the same source also that both are
antagonistic to Imperialism and arbi-
trnry power with their essential fca-
tures OF rulership by divine right or
heritage. In short the proposed pol
ley foreahudoWs the decided intentions
II our republic in combination with the
South American republics to prevent
the establishment upon this hemi-
sphere OF any form OF government eX-
copt that similar to our own with it's
Characteristic constitutional features.
At a glance it will be seen that rigid
enforcement OF this policy viii be an
unwarrRnted assumption of superior
governmental wisdom and TN unwor-
thy disinclination to give due consid-
Grafton to the wishes, opinions and
rights OF other nations IN the selection
Of their forms of government.
Possible Embarrassment
T What an anomalous and emharrass-
ing position would our government be
placed in should some OF the South
American republics decide by aalarso
majority TO rebel again the minority
ruling power and change to Il monar-
chial form OF government. Would
we in keeping with our Monroe doc
trine and Pan-AmcriCan treaty assist
the president and ruling power in put
ting down the rebellion in order to
perpetuate republic Yet to such
straits we may DO subjected. Already
this terrible war has caused many OF
our fellow citizens to water ia their
faith and 10 question whether or not a
different form Of government might be
more desirable for the preservation OF
law and order and for military and in
dustrial efficiency, also for prepared
ness IN self dcfense, our nation IS the
last one to repudiate that Godgivon
and natural right of rebellion. This
grand principle was enunciated In the
glorious declaration of independence.
That TO secure certain inalienable
rights among which We're life liberty
and the pursuit Of happiness. govern
ments were instituted among men. de-
irving their just powers from the con-
sent OF the governments That whom
ever any former government becomes
destructive OF these ends 1t Is the right
of the people TO alter or abolish It,
and to institute n new government in
It's place"
Questioning our Right
Claiming this right In the stormy
days OF the American revolution can
We consistently disregard the teaching
Of tho declaration and deny TO others
the same sacred privilege Surely not,
and for this reason we should hesitate
TN contracting alliances that are al
most sure to result in embarrassing
disagrrcments that would finally cul-
inmate ~ brutal warfare with all OF
It's dreful consequences
We as American citizens can hon-
estly believe IN the superior excellence
OF our own form of government and
even In It's superiority to other forms
IN respect of the rights Of man and
, that sacred right of freedom of speech,
freedom Of the press and freedom to
worship God according to the dictates
OF our own conscience This is our
glorious privilege but We must not ar
: rugate 20 ourselves the dictatorship
OF the entire world. This great boon
of liberty that our forefathers fought
j and died for and that the human race
{ has hoen struggling 90 maintain IS the
, brightest jewel in tho coronet OF civ
! llisation.
II should Vim ny Example.
Let US show by our example that
i've appreciate It's blessing and are sus-
tanned IN the faith that though Il has
been subjected 10 many mutations
and reverses it will overcome all OBJ
S'acles and overShadow the world with
i's benign influences In former times