The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-08-13

THE Pr
MAINTENANCE or MONROE DOCTRINE.
In spite q the criticism directed 1t the prssi-
deut BY members Of the senate It II fact that
me LEAGUE of Nations il gaining favor, and that
ratification Of covenant is hardly problemati-
cal. Men who have openly opposed President VIII
and many Of his policies. men who may even
be said to have attacked him again and again in
public print: men opposed Mr.. Wilson person.
ally, have come out openly open supporters of
the League OF Nations. and there Is little doubt
public mind but that the treaty will be rati-
fled.
Press dispatches from Washington under date
cf August l1th state that 'the presidents cove-
nant would have omitted reference to the Monroe
doctrine and the right of withdrawal and would
have contained proviso relative TO the freedom
Of the seas"
In connection with these two mooted questions.
opinion Of DR.. Albert Shaw. expressed in the
London Times. win be Of interest. owing to DR..
shaw's wide knowledge of international affairs.
In discussing the League OF Nations. he
There is an overwhelming sentiment
throughout the United States in favor Of the
prompt ratification at Washington of the
treaty OF peace = Most Of the senator's are
OF marked ability ana broad patriotism.
II they could have witnessed what some of
OF the press privileged to last
tumn OF military and industrial conditions in
have been beneficial Nevertheless. after dis
cussion the senate win almost certainly rati-
~ the peace treaty. including the League OF
Nations.
II the senate should adopt memorandum
expressing somewhat more definitely view
of the Monroe doctrine and American foreign
policy In general. there could be no harm done,
and probably such expression would be
valuable.
From reports coming out from Washington II
of the
senate know very little of what the Monroe doc
trine really is. One would suppose. to read some
of public comment the Monroe Doctrine to be
part of the constitution of the United States.
that had been handed down to us through the ages
on a tablet stone, the commandments to
Moses at Mt Sinai.
DR.. shaw one of the best informed Of Ameri-
cans in regard the international problem. says:
The Monroe doctrine for instance. has
meant that the United States stood before the
world as the especial champion of the essen
tial rights of the Western Hemisphere repub-,
lies. There is nation in the world that is
left to dispute these principles of freedom and
progress in the Western Hemisphere: and
tainly nation would think it otherwise than
commendable that America should still stand
ready what became of the League
of Nations. to that the principles OF the
league upheld side OF the Allan
| tic II there some individuals who think
of Monroe doctrine of domination
is that such view would be accepted
! by the great majority Of the people in this
country.
! The Monroe doctrine. however, expresses
policy that have pursued for almost CEN
fury. and IT is highly appropriate that It should
be deliberately reasserted at this time Fur
| thermore. besides the general principles of the
Monroe doctrine. assumed special
guardianship of small and undeveloped
1 tries around the Caribbean. and quite
certain the future exceptional
| relations with Mexico. such had existed
/ previous to the recent revolution. Our spheres
of influence. varying from the special agree
| ments with Cuba and the Republic of Panama
to the more distant and shadowy reaches Of
| Monroe doctrine, constitute a gen.
eral situation wholly different from
obligations that England sustans under the
phrase British Empire" Canada. Australia,
South Africa. New Zealand and Newfound-
1 land. with India in time. have dis
1 tinct membership In the League of Nations
because they to all intents and purposes
| understanding countries; yet they remain
/ intimate political relationships with Great
/ Britain. This grouping Of free and self gov
erning peoples in the British Empire affords
| the world another great example of the adj
Il vantages of association. Ssuch advantages
4 be retained without the sacrifice of any
essentials of independence or nationalism.
| The United States belongs morally the
grouping OF Engiish-speaking democracies; while
on the other hand, both Canada and Great Britain
are almost as much interested as is the United
States in the maintenance of the Monroe doctrine
An arbitrary selfish application OF the doctrine
in particular instance by government
might opposition. Arrogance in the erer-
else OF her sea power by Great Britain might pro-
woke pertinent criticism. But. the matter
stands. as pointed out by The Times. the Ameri-
can Monroe doctrine and the British exercise of
sea power conspicuously represent the practical
situations in the world which make for security and
freedom; and they denote the solid concerns that
unda uyo he of