New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-18

future. And therein lies our present
danger, since our interests now clash'
OF are bound soon 20 clash, with the
interests of much stronger rivals.
We challenge the European nations
theoretically, at least-by continuing
70 assume that the Monroe Doctrine
applies TO the nations of South Amer
lea. We DO not, as o matter OF fact,
contest the economic penetration OF
South America By European powers,
since we are not ourselves prepared TO
compete with them economically. but
we should strike at what they consider
their vital interests mot doing go at
all at present. If we were 10 take serl-
ouslv and try 10 develop in a prac-
teal way the doctrine of Pan-Ameri-
canism proclaimed by President Wilson
and Secretary Lansing at the recent
Pan-American Scientific Congress IN
Washington.
In Asia we have challenged Japan's
pretensions by acquiring Hawaii. Guam
and the Philippines as bases from
which TO take part IN the future
exploitation of China. We should also
challenge Great Britain's control OF the
sea if, having already possession OF the
Panama Canal, we should undertake TO
establish merchant marine interded
10 compete for the worlds carrying
trade.
1t is easy TO assent to Mr.. Usher's
conclusion that the economic indepen-
dence of the United States is still some
distance ahead Of US. although we shall
have made a long step toward 1t by the
time the war ends. II is also easy 10
accept his deduction that, in view of
NJ
lack Of industrial organization. the cost
to US Of military preparedness sufficient
for our defence, should we continue 10
stand alone. would be nearly prohibi-
tive. Il is clear too, that If we are 10
relieve the situation by seeking an ally
we ought 20 select Great Britain, with
her present undisputcd mastery Of the
sea. Great Britain's sea power has been
used in the main for our benefit. IL
supports the Monroe Doctrine to-day,
as it did in the beginning. Great Brit
aims major interests outside OF Europe
are in Asia and Africa; her minor IN
terests are in the Americas.
An alliance with her would therefore
be logical and greatly 10 our advantage.
II would make us invulnerable for an
other generation and give US a chance
10 attain complete economic indepen-
dence and to eliminate most of the
present hindrances TO military pre-
paredncs5 on our part.
Such an alliance would necessarily
impose some limitations on our activi-
ties We should naturally abandon the
idea of building navy "incomparably
the greatest in the world" to quote one
Of President Wilson's most recent aber-
rations. We should also have 20 aban
don all thought Of creating a great
merchant marine. We should not need
"A large mercantile feet under our own
flag, and we are, as a matter OF fact,
not vet economically ripe 10 compete
for the ocean carrying trade. We could
also sensibly discard the Monroe Doc
trine 90 far as - affects the larger
South American countries. Brazil, Ar
gcntina and Chill are now strong
enough to stand alone. They would
not be willing to accept tutelage from
US. and we are not in position 10 reg
uate their relations with Europe. The
only South American countries which
really remain within our proper sphere
Of influence are Colombia, Ecuador and
Peru, brought close 10 US by the con-
struction Of the Panama Canal. and
possibly Venezuela.
II Is much harQer 70 grasp the logic
of the other renunciations which Mr..
Usher thinks the formation Of an alli-
ance with Great Britain would involve.
Il is MS view that we should be con-
tent TO accept the West Indies and the
countries bordering on the Gulf Of
Mexico as our sole sphere of economic
exploitation. But we have even now
no serious rivalry IN that region. Great
Britain has largely withdrawn from
10. except so far as her own islands and
British Honduras are concerned. Eco
uomic conditions make the United
States the natural market for the West
Indies. Mexico and Cenral America
and these draw IN return on American
capital for permanent investments.
II Mexico and Central America are
20 be civilized, the United States must
do the work. Our political and eco
monte interests will eventually compel
us 10 extend our sovereignty down 20
the line OF the Panama Canal. Our
future is already marked out for us
in this direction. We should there
fore not secure anything not already