Douglas daily dispatch., 1928-01-17
History In the Making


History will be written this week at the Pan-Ameri-
can congress in Havana, Cuba, that may tell the story
Tor generations to of the peace and prosperity of
the western hemisphere, if not Of the entire world
It is most fortunate that the site of the congress is
Havana, where it is logical to believe that the fears of
the countries to the south of the colossus Of the north
may be best alayed
1t in the beautiful capital Of Cuba under the
menacng guns of Morro Castle that the United States
assisted in setting up Of the most prosperous and
best governed republics in the western world.
Il was IN Havana in 1906, after the government had
been broken down. that American troops under Governor
General Magoon re-eStablished order, and provided
machinery for fair election, in a manner somewhat
comparable to the purposes actuatng the present admin
lStratlOn IN Nicaragua.
1t is therefore meet and proper that the Central and
South American countries that inclined to view the
presence of the United States marines in Nicaragua as
imperialstic gesture should foregather in Havana
Cuba and visualize the results Of the unselfsh acts Of
the colossus of the north in first freeing Cuba from
Spanish mis-rule and second insisting upon the main
tenance OF free government in the face of local civil
1t is also fortunate that the Pan-Aerican congress
will convene the guest of President Machado Of Cuba
who already has taken the opportunity to call the atten
ton OF the delegates to the benefcence OF the Monroe
Doctrine, and has issued rayng cry to enlist under
the leadership of the United States.
Cuba stands today as the living refutation of the
insnuaOns that the United States has any intentions
Of territorial extensions to the SOUTH and guerdon
of the aspirations of the colossus of the north for nothing
but free and constitutional government to all countries
in the western hemisphere.
Five years ago when the Pan-American congress
met in Chile several of the larger South American coun
tries showed their appreciation of the Monroe Doctrine
but their suspicion of the United Sates by suggesting
that they become cOguarantOrs OF the integrity OF all
countries in the western world This suggestion natur
ally was unWelcome to the United States which has
heretofore and intends hereafter to be the sole inter
prefer of the Monroe Doctrine.
The Monroe Doctrine partnership proposal was not
pressed at that time the agreement that it could be
revived at the Havana conference.
Charles Evans Hughes who as secretary Of state
prepared the agenda five years ago. is at this time the
head Of the American delegation to Havana and can be
expected because Of his outstanding ability and under
standing Of the Pan-ArRerican union, to work out
satisfactory solution of the many problems that will be
presented.
President Coolidge by dignifying the congress with
his presence and address officially setting forth the
objects and purposes Of the United States should clear
the atmosphere Of all eaousies and suspicious and lay
the groundwork for real understanding in the western
world that will add tremendously to the of world
peace
Not the least Of the influences that will work for al
better understanding the congress will be the presence
Of Colonel Lndbergh, the unofficial good will ambassa-
DOR who already has cultivated the ground through
Central America until is ready for the planting OF the
seeds Of anity and understanding.
Frankly it is puzzing to the ordinary citizen of the
United States to observe the suspicious and eaousies OF
the countries to the south.
With the historical background of the United States
it is incoprehensibe that any country should accuse
Uncle Sam Of sefishness mperialistic intent, in
attempting to maintain order in Nicaragua any other
country to the south.
When the Pan-American delegates have an oppor-
tunity to view Cuba the gem Of the Antilles and reflect
that the United Staes but for it's high regard for the
principle Of sefdetermination could well have annexed
that island of it's most priced possessions, they
should gain insight into the heart and purposes OF
the colossus of the north that should for all time aay
their fears Of conquest or unfair dealing
It is submitted that the Pan-American congress in
Havana is fraught with significance in the matter