European Criticism of the Monroe Doctrine
The Koloniale Zeitschrift (Berlin), one of the jingo members of the German press says:
“The Americans no longer connect ideas of liberty with the views expressed by Monroe. Materialism, imperialism, and low selfishness are their predominant motives, as the annexation of Hawaii and the Spanish-American war have shown. The Monroe doctrine is a mere phrase, which does not find approval in South America or in Europe. But phrases frighten nobody, and it is doubtful that the Yankees want war for the sake of phrases. The power of the United States is not overrated in Europe as much as in America. The Americans should remember that their offer to take part in the settlement of Crete was met by a pitying smile, and that their hero Dewey became silent when Admiral von Diedriches ordered his ships ready for action. If the United States were actually to uphold the Monroe doctrine, the answer would come from the mouth of cannon.” The St. Petersburger Zeitung remarks that “the United States government is reported to have ordered its consuls in South America to report on the numbers and attitude of the German settlers in South America,” and then adds, “It is hardly to be believed that the Washington government can be so foolish as to meddle with matters which are absolutely no business of theirs. Germans have a right to settle where they please, as numerously as they please.” “It is notable that the French press,” says the Zeitung, “also aims to make Germany and the United States enemies. The French have not forgiven the disaster to Spain, and they are anxious to involve the United States in a quarrel with a real power.”