New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1856-01-17
TEE MONROE DOCTRINE.

Il y
The essence of the famous Monroe doctrine
% much talked Of nova days, and which stump
orators always advert to when they desire to
raise Juror Of enthusiasm among their hear
ers, may, we imagine, be found in the following
paragraph from MIR. Monroe's celebrated mes-
sage
At the proposal Of the Russian imperial government
made through the Minister OF the Emperor residing here
full power and instructions have been transmitted
the Minister Of the United States at St Petersburg
arrange, by amicabe negotiations the respective rights
and interests Of the two nations the northwest coast
Of this continent similar proposal had been made by
mis- majesty to the government Of Crest Btein
which has likewise been acceded TO- The Of
the United States has been DESTROYS by this friendly
ceedng OF manfesng the great value which they have
invariably sttsched to the friendship the Emperor and
their socitude to cultivate the best understanding with
his government IN the discussions to lpich This interest has
giren rise and IN the arrangements BY ,ach they may ni-
principle tch the rights and interests Of the United STATES
Gre nrolved that The amcrcan continents free and de,
pendent condition phtc eg hare assumed and ainatn are
hetceorh not 10 be considered subjects for future coioniSa-
ton hy any European, powers.
The doctrine Of interference is here clearly
set forth, and it has been pretty efectually
maintained ever since. True, Great Britain
has acquired, or pretends to have acquired,
by purchase, bargain, sale or indirection, or all
combined, which is most likely, claims Or titles
to certain territory in Central America and to
some unimportant islands; but these claims are
in process Of settlement, and will be finally set
/ tied, ere twelve months pass over, by parties
not connected with either Of the governments
| of the United States or Great Britain. The adj
yenturous Ang1o-Saxon, with his rife, axe,
lplow, and printing press, has taken the matter
aff ha
washed BY the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific
Ocean, and will very speedily render decision
| from which no appeal will be allowed. Old
diplomatists may juggle and argue through inr
terminable pages Of lofty sounding phrases re-
specting obsolete treaties, impracticable thee
ries, rights Of nations, ETC., each winding up to
the other with $ assurances Of my most dstin-
guished consideration" but all will be of no
practical avail. While the old fogies are wri-
ting, g Young America . is acting vigorously
and efficiently. While Mr.. Marcy and the
British government are deluding themselves
with the idea that they can arrange the ques-
ton with goose-quills, ink and foolscap, hun
dreds Of hardy, industrious young men, are
vending their way to the new land Of promise,
for such Central America may be justly termed.
And we are told that Sharp's rifles are quite
as abundant as agricultural instruments in
that favored region
IN the long run Great Britain will quietly,
and We hope gracefully, relinquish her pre-
tended rights to portions Of Central America,
and elbow the country to 60 into the hands Of
those whom manifest destiny obviously de-
signs for its redeemers. 1t would be losing
game to attempt to put down the movement by
force, for two very simple and forcible reasons
In the first place England has lost so much, and
is daily losing SO much more in her unfortunate
Russian speculation, thatshe has no stomach for
another Of q doubtful character. In the second
place, the chances are ten to one that if the
British Lion sought to place his huge claws
upon the persons of Americans in Central Amer
lea, the ire Of the American Eagle would be-
come fearfully excited, and the aforesaid Lion
would soon feel the terrific talons Of the afore-
said Eagle about his head and shoulders. And
Eagle, he will probably look upon some old
scars upon his body, and conclude that the
Central American question is COMPOUNDED bore,
not tolerable nor even to be endured.
Z Then, again, the interests of England are
comparatively slight-.altogether too slight, to
induce her, according to our judgment, to
employ any instruments in the settlement of
the matter save diplomatic instruments. Hos
tile demonstrations wouldn't pay. Hence, we
opine that +" Young America will not be seri-
ously interrupted in his projects; and if not,
he will soon become strong enough to take care
of himself without assistance FROM abroad
The monroe doctrine," it seems to US, has
never been rightly read. The true reading.
according to the practice Of these latter days,
would sound after this fashion. just suppose
/" Uncle Sam" standing on the top of the dome
of the Capitol at Washington, and telling the
Governments of Europe: s~. H..
g No pent up Utica contracts our powers,
But the whole boundless continent is oirs-n
and the scope and meaning Of the doctrine
flashes upon the mind instantly.