Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-01-22
Mr.. Mason on the Monroe doctrine.


in opposition to Gen. Casss construction of the
coincide entirely with those advanced by Mr..
Butler Of South Carolina, an abstract of whose
speech was published in our paper of yesterday.
Mr.. Mason commenced his remarks on
"Wednesday by saying .shat it might become his
duty, before this resolution came to vote, to
speak at length upon the merits of the subject
but he simply desired to speak upon one
point, which he thought was isinterpreted
by the Senator from Michigan. He desired TO
speak of Mr.. Monroe's message as asserting
principle intended to be applied to the affairs of
Spanish America alone. He desired to show
that it was directed to the affairs of Spanish
America, aud being asserted for specific object,
did effect the object intended, and had not laid
idle in the archives of the nation; and that the
principle asserted by Mr.. Monroe could not be
resuscitated by the American government unless
the contingencies should arise
Mr.. Mason reviews the circumstances that led
to the Monroe declartion, and adds:
From limited knowledge of diplomatic affairs.
but some knowledge of human transactions he
had come to the conclusion that if there be any
principle more important to be observed than
another, it was, that in making declarations to
be observed and maintained ut n future day. such
declarations ought to be made with great delibe-
ration, crcumspecton, and care aud man or
body of men should take the important step of
extending such declarations beyond their legti-
mate scope.
He read from Mr.. Monroe's message of De-
camber, 1928 to show that it protested against
the restoration by the European powers of their
system OF governmental system which recog-
Missed no free Institutions nor any form of govern
nlent but Legitimacy, and which required them
all band to uphold legitimate monarchy in all
its functions. 1t against this system that
Mr. Menroe protested. There was then immi-
nent danger that Europe would aid Spain in the
recovery of the republics whose independence
had been recognised by the United States. Eng
land knew If it were attempted to be carried out
she would have to resist it, but, yet had not
moved. The United States took the initiative
step and took it singy. 1t was aimed at that in
tervention proposed by the allied powers and at
that alone. In 1928, in December Spain made
formal application to Russia and Austria to
aid her to do this very thing, against which the
Government of the United States had protested.
She asked their aid to uphold good order and le.
gitimacy, endangered by the progress of free
institutions in America. This application was
based upon the principle that these powers were
pledged to uphold and support each other.
The message of Mr.. Monroe effected the object
It was intended to accomplish 1t averted the
Intervention by the Holy Alliance, and the invi-
tation OF Spain was declined. In 1924 Lord
Bfougham said that the affairs OF South Ameri-
ca had been settled by the firm and decisive de-
earation of the President of the United States
He quoted other authorities, show ing that the de-
ciaration of Mr. Monroe was confined to this
specific point.
He objected that Injustice should be done to the
memory of Mr.. Monroe by extending his dottrine
to embrace other principles. He admitted,
however, that Mr. Monroe, in another part of his
message, but directed to very different matter,
and IN different manner. said that no recoOniZa-
lion of any part of this continent should be per
mtted.
From these extracts it will be seen that Mr.
Mason takes sound conservative and practical
view Of this question. He repudiates the idea
of taking the whole American continent under our
wing, and eschews all pompous declarations of what
we intend to do in future. We observe that Mr..
Dixon, of Kentucky. with a view of giving the
matters now undergoing discu sson in the Senate,
some practical shape, has given notice of his in
tention to move a reference to them to the Com
lnitsee Foreign Relations, with instructions to
report whether the Clayton Bulwer treaty or the
Monroe doctrine have been violated by Great
Britain, aud if SO. what measures should be taken
by the United States TO vindicate the honor ofthe
country.
This proposition, if adop ted, will compel the
bellicose orators of the Senate to toe the mark
will then appear whether their hearts and
hands are as ready for their voices.
Mr.. Eueren on african CSviLazation.