Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-01-26

The Monroe Doctrine.

Much has been said of late about 'the Monroe
doctrine" as II is called, and many persons proba-
bly are curious to know what the terms imply,
and when and wherefore the doctrine was estab-
lished. We confess that until very recently we
had labored under misapprehensi in reference
to the matter-having understood the ''doctrine"
according to Cen. CAss' Interpretation of it-but
porusal of MIR. MoNRoE's Message on the sub
ject and the debates in the Senate on Tuesday and
Wednesday last, has brought us to a different con-
clusion.
Gen. CAss introduced the subject into the Sen
ate on the 2nd instant by a joint resolution reat-
firming the doctrine as it has been generally un-
derstood We have heretofore published Tie res
olution in full, and the following extract at pres
ent is sufficient to show its import:
"And while existing rights should be respect
ed and will be by the United States, they owe
it to their own safety and interests to announce,
as they now do, that no future European colony or
dominion shall with their consent, be planted or
established on any part Of the North American
continent"
Gen. CAss, ftho sentiment advanced by Pres-
dent MONROE in his annualmesssge Of 1923. On
Tuesday, the 18th, Gen. CAss addressed the SEN
ate in support Of his resolution, relying TO some
extent on the supposed authority of Mr. MoNRoE.
He was replied to by Senators BUTLER and MA
SON, who took different view Of the subect-ln
accordance with the explanation given OF II by
Mr.. CALHOUN, who was member of MIR. Mon
RoE's Cabinet-and related the circumstances I'M
der which the declaration contained in the mes
sage referred to, was made. The history fthe
matter is briefly this.
In 1923, the South American possessions of
Spain had thrown off the yoke of that country, and
the United States had recognized their indePend-
ence and taken steps to establish diplomatic inter
course with them. Spain, however, continued to
assert her claim, and was calling upon her Euro
pcan allies toaid her in maintaining 1.-THE con-
tinental Powers being then banded together, and
forming what is known as the ''Holy Alliance"
Russia promised her assistance in certain event,
and France and Austria were ready for any scheme
for the suppression of free institutions. These
facts were duly reported by our representatives a
broad, and in December President MONROE sent
in his Message 10 Congress, containing the follow
ing passage: So
s.With the existing colonies and dependencies
of ANY European Power we have not lnierierto'
! and shall not interfere. But with the Govern,
ments who have declared their independence and
maintained it, and whose independence we nave,
on great consideration and on just principles, ac-
knowledged, we could not view any interpoSiuoh
for the purpose of Cypress ng them, or controlling
in any other manner their destiny, by European
Power, in any other light than as the manlies :
ton of an upfriendly disposition towards the oh'-
| ted States"
This then is the sum and substance OF the cele-
brated ''Monroe doctrine. 1t related solely TO the
new Republics of Spanish America, and lis only
object was to prevent the threatened interference IN
their affairs by the Allied Powers OF Europe. So
far the doctrine receives the hearty appreciation of
the people of the United States. The people of
South America were influenced by our example IN
resisting the expressions of the mother country and
asserting their independence; they copied our in
situations in forming their new governments; and
any combined movement against them by the des-
pots of Europe WAS justly regarded as an lndlca-
ton of hostility towards us and republicanism gen
orally. Our rights and interests therefore, as well
as sympathy for the sister Republics just arisen,
required us to resist the threatened interference
The stand taken by Mr.. MONROE had the desired
effect. and the intervention Of the Holy Alliance
was arrested.
But the question now is, whether the United
States should make sweeping declaration OF the
kind proposed by Gen. CAss. Messrs BUTLER
and Mason think we should not, and all the re-
fleeing, peace loving people Of the country will
doubtless concur in the opinion. This thing Oh
putting a chip on ones head and daring every
body to knock it off, very foolish practice, and
school boys who indulge in the sport generally
succeed in getting up fight Just so, Gen. CAss'
resolution may involve us in war, although Judge
BUTLER gave that Senator severe blow by the
remark. .'that he had generally found that those
men of long advertisements were men Of little
promises" 1t is far more dignified and safe for us
to consider each case Of inacton of our rights ard
interests, as it arises and decide upon it deliber-
ately and with care. Very likely we can get into
scrape with England off han !, about her new
COLONY in Central America, if Gen. CAss' no
tons as to our true national policy are to prevail
whether the interests at stake are worth the
hazard of the game is another question.