Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-16
A Pan.American Doctrine.

Coolidge coDcelveS pan-AmericaniSm as
an international doctrine which assures
the nations of the Western Hemisphere
q continued advancement in an at
moSphere Of peace and cooperation
while placing upon them certain obliga-
lions in the establishment, expansion
and protection Of the spirit of democ-
racy and the principle OF human rights.
Without reSorting 10 doctrinairiSm. the
President strikes the keynote of the as
sernhlage Of states at Havana. Without
stopping 10 controversy. he answers the
critics Of his own Nation. He speaks as
the Chief Executive of one OF twenty
other republics taking as his theme the
picture Of their past, present and fu-
ture association. His use Of the COL
iective We" is not in the sense of
I'VE. the people Of the United States"
but We, the people Of the Western
World His exposition of their idealisn
is no enunciation of new national
policy, but a restatement of principles
which are their common heritage.
OF them he says:
II is heavy responsibility which rests
upon the people and the governments
represented al this conference. Unto
them has been given a new land, free
from the traditional jeaiousles and
halreds OF the Old World. where the
people might come into the fullest sta te
OF Development. II is among the repub-
lies Of this hemisphere that the princi-
pie Of human rights has had its broad
est application, where political freedom
and equality and economic opportunity
haze made their greatest advance. Our
mos, sacred trust has been. and is, the
establishment of the spirit of democ-
racy. No doubt We shall make some
false starts and experience some dis
appointing reactions. But we have put
our confidence in the ultimate wisdom
OF the people. We believe We can rely
upon their intelligence. their honesty
a.io their character. We are thoroughly
committed 10 the principle that they
are better fitted TO govern themselves
than any one else is 10 govern them.
We do not claim immediate perfection.
But We do expect continual progress.
Our history reveals that in such eX-
pectations We have not been disappoint-
ed. II is better for the people TO make
their own mistakes than 10 have some
one else make their mistakes for them
We realize that one Of the most
important services which we can render
70 humanity, the one for which We are
peculiarly responsible. is 10 maintain
the ideals OF Our Western World That
Is our obligation No one else can dis
charge II for us. If il is to be met we
must meet II ourselves. We must Join
together in assuring conditions under
which our republics viii have the free
dom and responsibility OF working out
their own destiny in their own way
Our republics seek no special
privileges for themselves. nor are they
moved by any one OF those purposes Of
domination and restraints upon liberty
o! action which in other times and
places have been fatal TO peace and
progress In the international system
which you represent. the rights Of each
nation carry with them corresponding
obligations. defined by laws which We
recognize as binding upon all of us. II
Is through the careful observance Of
those laws which define our rights and
impose our duties that international CO.
operation Is possible. This lays on us q
continual responsibility which none OF
us wish 10 avoid, and the fulfiilment Of
which is one Of the most important
guarantees OF international friendship.
Oftertines in our relationship
We Shal have TO LOOK 10 the spirit rather
Than 10 the letter Of the law We shall
nave 10 realize that the highest Law Is
CONSIDERATION, cooperation, friendship
sno charity. Without the application Of
these there can be no peace and no
progress. no Liberty and no republic.
Without attempting TO single out for
eulogy or defense the actions Of his own
country. the President thus sets down
the motives which have governed them
and LET'S them speak for themselves.
Tnss Is In keeping with the occasion.
The Western family Of nations con-
venec at Havana is fundamentally con.
cerfied with problems Common 10 It's
members. They have no. me: 10 digsect
the Peruvian policy Of Chile, the Vere-
z2eisn policy u Mexico or the Mica
raglsn policy VI the United States.
There TeTe those. nevertheless, who
hoped that ~ Havana the President
would proclaim Coolidge doctrine" II.
view NJ existing circumstances. and
more than one 81 these good -intentioned
advisers san n W maze suggestions OF
What this. doctrine ought " be. They
VIII he disappointed Ia the Presidents
message. II does not ring with the pro-
bil4tlsIGehbos q q d!ctaLor. the threats
u tyfant ~ Tie excuses III u blum
ceteF. its LsnetS are founded On the
haescSpable tart that here On this side
81 The world n Divine Providence has
made nE nfigiIborhDod of republics"
%lth the multitude o! opportunities and
responsibilities that such d condition
implies. Tie President has pointed the
Foan ii4si his country. a member of this
neigilbWi.tyJd ~ republics is following
Those who SIT ~ i, a route ~ imperial
s6n can nzks The most o! IT,