THE MONROE DOCTRINE.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15138, 30 November 1914, Page 7

THE MONROE DOCTRINE.

EXPOSITION BY MR TAFT. CANADA AND THE WAR. NO INTERFERENCE IN SOUTH AMERICAN AFFAIRS. NEW YORK. NovemW '-"*"• Mr Tart, speaking ai, MonU-iair. N'- x " Jersey, endorsed the Monroe doctrine. but. declared that interference by flo United States in "Mexican and South .American affairs was entirely outside the doctrine. The landing of trcops in Canada by any enemy would not constitute a breach of the d.x:tiiiu\ but an attempt to establish a new system of government- would ue- resisted d Canada were conquered. The Argentine. Chili, end Brazil were able to protectthemselves, therefore there was little I'kolihood of the doctrine l>eing pressed there. Nothing required the United States to establish peace in Mexico, said Mr Taft', who criticised the occupation of Vera Cn»;*.. which had arcomplished nothing. Instead, the present, anarchy was charged as being due to the United States entirely. Monroeism had made the peace for ninety years; why should it not make the peace for .1 hundred years to come? Generally the United States would not interfere so long as one country did not seek fo inflict its government upon a conquered people, annexed territory, or resorted unjustly to oppressive measures. Canada was already furnishing military aid to Groat Britain. On what theory could the United States object to Germany ta!<ing counter-measures, such as the exacting of an indemnity, if desirable? The United States would not allow tho annexation of Canada. Monroeism had prevented wars. It' the United States abandoned it, the European Powers would soouer or later engage in controversies with the smaller American peoples, and the result would be that fho United States would be forced to enter into these. The. Argentine, Brazil, and Chili fully understood that the United States did not exercise authority over them, and it would be- undesirable to ask them to assist in the maintenance of the doctrine, as it would bo likely to eauso jealousy in the smaller Powers. Tho work of the United States in Hayti and San "Domingo was merely that of a friendly neighbour trying to keep tho r>cacc of the community.