The Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1902. AN IMPROBABLE THEORY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7583, 23 December 1902, Page 2

The Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1902. AN IMPROBABLE THEORY.

If the theory advanced by the "Daily News " as the real reason for the present action of the European Powers against Venezuela proves to be correct, the world may be on tile eve of am' event of infinitely vaster magnitude than the castigation of a. tiny republic. A 1 European revolt against Monroeism would provide material for a complication compared 1 with which the Venezuelan incident would: be infinitesimal indeed. The bare prospect of such a contretemps, invites reflection. In the doctrine of , President Monroe, to which she has always faithfully subscribed, the United/ States .declares that ishe will allow no European Power to annex any portion- of American soil. -This declaration includes not only^ the United States, but also every inch of territory on the Continents of .North and South America not already belonging to a- European Power. It naturally., affects the Central and Southern American Republics. These turbulent States may misbehave as much as they pleas©. They may quarrel with each other, fight among themselves, and generally mismanage their affairs with impunity. The United States has pledged her word 1 that their integrity shall be respected, although they : may be punished in practically any other way except by the confiscation of territory. Naturally this declaration neither satisfies the European Powers nor helps to paisify the Central and South American States. The former find an aivenue for colonisation blocked 1 , and tho latter, secure in the protection of their powerful neighbour, make no attempt to conform to European, ideas of peace and quietness. Such ■» state, of things is bound sooner or-, later to' create trouble between Europe and America, -and it may be, as the " Daily News " declares, that the trouble hap come. If it has coma in the shape of a European combination against Monroeism, it is difficult to see. how the States is to maintain the provisions of the doctrine. It is one thing to assert a dogma in a theoretical sense amd another thing to put it into actual practice in the face of an overwhelming opposition. It is unlikely, of course, that any combination of tho character suggested by the " Daily News " exists. If one -did' txisb, we can hardly believe that it would have the cooperation and support of Great Britain. For many years now the policy of the latter has been one of resolute friendship to the United States. At the time of the His- ; pano- American war it was England who ; averted a European- combination in favour ] of Spain, and both officially and unofficially her statesmen have never ceased to reiterate the necessity for England and America j working in conjunction. In view "of her j past attitude, she could not, in common | decency, join any anti- American movement, even if one were suggested, and for this j reason it appears unlikely that one has j been suggested. Had there been any talk of one, we should have quickly seen a modification of Great Britain's attitude over the Venezuelan question.