The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1866-01-11
IT,. Manroe Doctriue.

An immense meeting was held at tho
Cooper Institute, in New York city, last
Saturday evening, to give expression to
the views of the people in relation to
what il called the Monroe Doctrine
VIM CULLEN BRYANT was Chairman,
and speeches were delivered by various
orators, Hon. MONTGOMERY BLAIR and
Hon S. 8. Cox among others, Letters
favoring the rigid enforcement OF the
Doctrine were read from numerous dis
tinguished individuals who were unable
to be present, and series of resolutions
were adopted, one of which declares that
the United States is bound by her tradi-
tions, by every consideration Of honor
and dignity, by her plighted faith to the
Republics of America, for the sake OF her
safety, peace, prosperity and renown, to
vindicate the great principles enuncla-
ted by Monroe, in all parts OF this CONT
nent, and to establish, it necessary, by
all legitimate means, that America be-
lougs to Americans and is consecrated to
republican institutions"
There is, we believe, among all classes
of American citizens, whether Nerth OF
South, metropolitan or rural, an opinion
that the Monroe doctrine enunciates
correct principle of American policy, but
we have failed to discover among the
masses of the people, especially among
those living remote from the great cities,
any such degree of devotion to that prin-
ciple as would enthusiastically approve
the taking up of arms at this time, for
its enforcement! There is general sym
pathy with the Liberal cause in Mexico
and desire for the firm establishment
Of republican form OF government
there, but we have yet to discover half
a dozen men who, with the privations of
army life in our own late war fresh in
their recollection, would volunteer to
assist in expelling MACMILLAN. If re-
cruiting offices were opened in the cities
perhaps few regiments ofsoldiers might
be raised, but they would be composed
mainly of adventures whom the dis
banding of the army has deprived OF EN-
ployment, and who are untitled, by IN
clination or by vicious habits, for peace
ful pursuits. These men would fight for
anything, no matter what, that prom
ised them excitement and pay.
1t cannot be denied that there is ne
such enthusiasm among the people now
as would lead them to make many per-
sonal sacrifices in such a cause. They
are tired of war; they have been filled to
safety with the kind of excitement it
brings, and now they want peace. They
all look upon the Monroe Doctrine as a
good thing to talk about and pass blus-
tering resolutions over, but when the re-
cruiting sergeant comes around they will
be exceedingly busy in their shops and
stores and offices, and will respectfully
decline his invitation to don the blue
and take up their march for the South
west. Perhaps, after while, say fit
teen OF twenty years, when the memory
of our own war is not quite so fresh,
and the devastation it caused has been
repaired as far as human hands can re-
pair it, and our national debt is nearly
all paid, and our taxes are light, and we
have surplus population of young men
who cannot find anything else to do,
then if MACMILLAN is still in Mexico
and the Monroe Doctrine needs enforc-
msnt, possibly sufficient popular enthu-
sissm may be aroused to enlist an army
for the benefit of our sister Republic
For the present, we are toe busy at home,
and beg to be excused from mixing in
any bedy else's fight