Jasper County Democrat, Volume 18, Number 97, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1916 — Give Up Monroe Doctrine or Prepare to Defend It [ARTICLE]

Give Up Monroe Doctrine or Prepare to Defend It

By Professor ALBERT BUSHNELL

HART of Harvard University

THE European war, with the tremendous shock of its beginnings, has taught the world a lesson of what may be done by a thoroughly prepared nation against one that is only partially prepared; hence there should be no doubt of the safety of the Panama canal. THE POSSESSION OF THAT GREAT WATERWAY IS AN ENORMOUSLY VALUABLE ASSET TO THE UNITED STATES, BUT IT IS VULNERABLE TO THE RAIDS OF AIRSHIPS AND SURPRISE ATTACKS BY LAND PARTIES. Suppose the Japanese should make a settlement on the west coast of South America, the Germans should attack Brazil or the English should insist on a share in the adjustment of Mexico, has the United States such prestige as to stop those movements by its fiat? UNLESS THE MONROE DOCTRINE IS A FIXED POLICY OF A GREAT NATION, BACKED UP BY SUFFICIENT FORCES TO MAKE IT RESPECTED, IT IS SIMPLY A DREAM.