THE UNITED STATES IN THE EAST.
THE minister of China to the United States wishes the Monroe Doctrine extended by the United States to the Continent of Asia. In a speech in Philadelphia, February 22,—Washington’s birthday,—he said:— The United States has now become an important factor in the far East, not only on account of her newly acquired possessions there, but also on account of her steadily increasing commerce with the nations in Asia. It behoves her to adopt a line of policy commensurate with the importance of the situation. Last December I attended one of the numerous exercises in commemoration of the death of Washington. The orator strongly advised the audience to read Washington’s farewell address, remarking that he thought that not ten per cent of that audience had ever seen that document. I took the hint; and upon my return from that meeting, availed myself of the first opportunity to peruse the address. It was indeed full of good advice. What struck me most was the foresight and transcendent wisdom exhibited in every line of that address. For a foreign policy what can be grander than these words? “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.” These should be written in letters of gold, and serve as a guide to every nation in the world. It corresponds in effect to what Confucius inculcated when he said, “Let your words be sincere and truthful, and your policy honorable and just.” This good counsel of Washington has been a potent factor in shaping the policy of this country, and warding off foreign encroachments. When it became universally known that the policy of this young republic, as foreshadowed by its founder, was that of keeping good faith and cultivating peace and harmony with all nations, a favorable impression was naturally created far and wide. All nations perceived that this country was pursuing a just policy, and did not dare to give the American people any cause of offense. And twenty-seven years afterward, when President Monroe issued his caveat against foreign aggressions on the American continents, it was tacitly acquiesced in by all the foreign powers. Why?—Because it was founded on principles of justice and self-protection. It was not entirely a new doctrine, but a liberal interpretation of the sound principles laid down by Washington. So to secure the recognition of the ‘open door’ in China by the great powers, which has recently been brought about by your government through the able Secretary of State, is not a departure from, but a continuation of, your traditional policy. The question now arises whether it is not time for this country to extend the Monroe Doctrine to Asia. The Philippine Islands are situated on the outskirts of Asia, and may be said to be at the very door of that continent. If it was necessary for President Monroe to declare any attempt to encroach upon any portion of the American continents, extending over eight thousand miles from Alaska to Patagonia, as dangerous to your peace and safety, what shall you say to this when you find that the mainland of Asia is not more than six hundred miles distant from the Philippines? If it was thought proper not to allow Puerto Rico or any of the islands on this side of the Atlantic to pass into the possession of any foreign power, would it be advisable to look with indifference upon any encroachment on the mainland of Asia, especially the eastern portion, which is nearer to Manila than Puerto Rico is to Florida? I do not apprehend any encroachment will take place. But the Monroe Doctrine being the fixed policy of your government, the natural logic is that it should be applied to that part of the world where this country has possessions. This policy is by no means a selfish one, but, as I have already remarked, is founded on justice and self-protection, and if persistently carried out, it will tend greatly to the preservation of peace wherever it is enforced.