Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-06-07
Danger Lies in
Carrying Monroe
Doctrine Too Far

Editor journal: The brutal strug-
gle In Europe and the revolution in
Mexico with their effect upon the
governmental systems of the world in
the future Is the all-absorbing ques-
ton OF the hour. This Is a serious
matter not only with the nations en-
gagged IN the conflict but in those OF
all neutral nations, particularly of our
republic, as menacing to our repre-
sentative form of government. In
this emergency il behOoyes us in the
united States TO look well after our
home affairs and faithfully follow out
ana apply the safeguards that our
constitution has thrown around us II
we would secure and make permanent
our free and liberal institutions.
To-day we are menaeed with what |
may term a rule of excessive democ-
raey which Is identical with de-
structlye socialism, anarchy and mis-
rule.
In its preamble the constitution re-
cites that in order to more per-
feet union II must establish Justice
and provide for the general welfare
In the discussions by the eminent
statesmen who participated in the for
nation and adoption of the constitu-
ton, among whom were Hamilton,
Madison, JAY, Mason and others, 1t
was expressly understood that the
provision for the general welfare was
OF the utmost importance and estab-
lished the authority of the federal
government over that of the states in
all matters of general Importance
Ii never entered into the hearts of
those eminent men nor of jefferson
himself, that this American republic
should be anything but of n repre-.
sentative form and they never con-
eeived of N government by the people
al large, two often swayed hy passion,
and disregard for law. TIM
der modern democracy with its ini-
ttativc and referendum, its summary,
recall and other socialis-
tie characteristics we are fast drift
ing towards the fate that befell other
republics in the past who in their
struggles for greater freedom, hoWev-
er well grounded they appeared to be
IN the first instance, were shown to
have dcgenerated into destructive |
and license Reforms are de- |
BY the people in the line of |
securing greater liberty, condition |
too often prostituted TO the basest |
ends. IN the words Of Madame Ro-
land, "oh liberty, what crimes are |
committed in thy name.' Liberty in /
ITSELF In q very fascinating theme to /
The people but 1t becomes IN ignoblc /
one, when II only provides for the ex-
erclse OF personal and exclusive lib I
arty regardless of the liberty and |
Neliare OF others. When this is dis
regarded II Is taken out of the PROV
NEE of personal liberty and brought
within that of law and the good order
II society. There is another menace
o our welfare and that is the pres |,
mt construction OF what is familiar 4
y known as the Monroe doctrine and |,
he length 10 which we carry its app
llication. From y mere pronounce
nent 90 first, when a weak and strug-
fling republic, that "all attempts by
oretgn powers TO override the infant
epublies and force upon them mo- I,
iAfchical forms of government Il
would be considered menace TO II
ufs' il has developed into settled
.ohcy OF our nation to insist upon
he maintenance of republican forms
4 government upon our entire hemi-
phere even at the cost of war /
RMS 10 my mind Is an tnwarranted L
sumption Of responsibility and nu- {
hority over the affairs and destinies f,
( other nations with which we should /,
either meddlc nor interfere
There are numerous instances of !,
he intolerahle burdens that the Mon :
De doctrine as at present applied. has t.
hst upon MS that may ultimately be u
20 heavy to bear. Witness that of I
Iaiu ana Santo Domingo where we II
ave guaranteed the debts of foreign h
redltofs rather than have the islands 1,
~ Into the hands Of other nations.
'e have Also taken upon as the pro-
'ctorship of Cuba, Panama. Nicara-
ia. the Philippines and the sandwich IL
lands, and last but not least we have