Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/272

230 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS declaration that attracted world-wide attention. He said: "One of the chief objects of my administration will be to cultivate the friendship and deserve the confidence of our sister republics of Central and South America, and to promote in every proper and honorable way the interests which are common to the peoples of the two continents. I earnestly desire the most cordial understanding and co-opera tion between the peoples and leaders of America and, therefore, deem it my duty to make this brief statement. "Co-operation is possible only when supported at every turn by the orderly processes of just govern ment based upon law, not upon arbitrary or irregu lar force. We hold, as I am sure all thoughtful leaders of republican government everywhere hold, that just government rests always upon the consent of the governed, and that there can be no freedom without order based upon law and upon the public conscience and approval. We shall look to make these principles the basis of mutual intercourse, respect and helpfulness between our sister repub lics and ourselves. We shall lend our influence of every kind to the realization of these principles in fact and practice, knowing that disorder, personal intrigues, and defiance of constitutional rights weaken and discredit government and injure none so much as the people who are unfortunate enough