Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-06-30
The Monroe DOctrine-Brit-
ish InsOIenCe.

There Is no AmerlcaH-porn citiLeh VI
the United States, twenty-one years old,
and of legally sound mind, who does not
understand the meaning and extent of the
Monroe Doctrine, though he may never
have seen or read one line of the celebrat-
cd message in which that doctrine was
first officially promulgated to the world.
1t is an hereditary element of his nature,
imbibed from the source of, and is
one of the elements of his nourishment,
and therefore an integral part of his
nature; consequently it need not be
matter of surprise to the inhabitants of
other lands that he is peculiarly sensitive
and watchful in regard to all events and
occurrences which infringe either directly
or indirectly on the questions which are
or may be involved in this matter From
the same feeling or principle of human
nature which impels the hardy son to rise
in the majesty of manhood to resent or
rcrenge the wrong done or attempted to
be done to his aged and beloved parent,
springs the action or expression of the
American citizen against any act of for
eign governments interfering with the
principles of that doctrine.
Patience, also, is trait strongly de-
vcloped in the American character, al
though we not unfrcquently flare up and
grumJle, yet when satisfied that the occa-
sion demands it, we can "bide our time"
with seeming patient indifference to the
insult which induced some people to say
"the United States could not be kicked
into war" They discovered differently
in 1912. Other nations beside Great
Britain have learned that althoug ii we for
bear long and patiently, or are slow in
paying off such debts, yet arc do pay both
principal and interest fully. Some of
them seem of late to have forgotten the
lessons which our short history has taught
them, or think we have changed 1t is
true many changes have taken place in
our land in the last quarter of a century,
but they are only the changes flowing
from the progression of an energetic ego
ahead people. As to the great princi-
pies, the foundation stones on which our
National structure is erected, they remain
unchanged, save, only, the more full de-
yelopment, the more firm attachment, and
better appreciation of their value by our
people. Neither have they changed in
regard to their forbearance, though their
patience has been sorely taxed for the
past three years.
The application of. the principles Of the
Monroe Doctrine, as it regards the affairs
Of Mexico and the action of the French
Emperor connected Herewith. have at
tracted the jealous attention as well as
exercised the anxious thought Of our peo-
pie. Our National Legislature too, have
had the subject under formal considera-
ton, and it was q second time stirred up
by the Hon. H. Winter Davis. Let moi
Louis Napoleon misunderstood the action
or position of the Government in regard
to that matter. Here the action Of Gov
crnmcnt officials on all great Nationa
subjects is shaped by the will of The peo
ple. Mr.. Davis efforts on this subjec
failed not because the doctrine is no
fully and unequivocally endorsed and ap
proved by the people, but because, il
their Judgment, it is not the time to prose
cute its enforcement. When. in thei
Judgment, that has arrived, the dc
mand will be made and enforced.
Louis Napoleon has the credit of bein
an astute monarch, and has unquestion'
NV shown himself to be one Of ii
sl,rswdest political rulers Of Europe; OF
people give him full credit on this poin
and are therefore more deliberative
5 making up their minds. The very CT
eumstaf,ce bodies worse ~omens for the
salt Of his projects, and we sometim
dirk it sdisturbs his Imperial meditation
an ths fact that as occasion seems
demand a diversion, his organs begin
5nrinuate about mediation or recogn'tio
II he calculates by such inuendoes to
vert us from our purpose of crushing Q
zf3s rebellion, or dreams that hts not ha
e. 6one further than the mere insin,