The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-01-10
THE MONROE DOCTRINE.

Rebellion" thus gives the origin, history and
nature of the 'Monros Doctrine" to which SO
frequent allusion is now made in the news
papers, and which was successfully main
tanned by our government up to the advent
of modern republicanism
MONROE DOCTRINE"
The alleged powers of Europe had triumph
ed over Napoleon, and had restored the elder
branch of the Bourbons, in the person of
Louis XVIII, to the throne of France Em-
boldened by this success, Russia, Austria,
and Prussia, in 1915, formed the Holy alh-
ance. To this France, aud nearly ell the
other continental powers, soon afterwards
acceeded. Great Britain, however, stood
aloof aud refused to become party to it
The object of the allies was to abolish liberal
governments on the continent of Europe and
TO maintain the divine right of sOvereigns to
rule according to their own discretion in
short, to roll back the tide of progress to-
wards tree institutions, and to restore the old
despotisms as they had existed before the
French revolution. Accordingly France was
deputed to destroy, by force OF arms. the lib
eral government of the Cortes in Spain, and
to restore the implaca ble and bigoted Ferdi-
French army, commanded by the Duke d An
gouiens, invaded Spain, aud in a single CAM
paign accomplished these objects.
In the year before the date OF this expedl-
ton, the government of the United States
had formally acknowledged the inde pen dsnce
of the different southern republics, formerly
Spanish colonies and an appropriation of
one hundred thousand dollars had been made
MAY 1927 by congress to defTay the ex-
pense of missions to these independent ma
lions on the American continent"
Whilst the French invasion was in success
full progress, the British government became
satisfied that the allies, after crushing the
Spanish liberals, intended to employ their
arms In assisting Ferdinand VII, 10 re-sub.
lugate what they termed hls rebelious colo
MES ON this side of the Atlantic. To such an
enterprise Great Britain Was ssrenously Cd
posed, and she resolved to resist It, If sue
cessful, this would prove to be a severe blow
TO her trade In that quarter OF the world-an
interest to which she has ever been sensitive
ly alive.
To avert the impending danger Mr.. Can
ming, then the British minister for foreign
affairs, in August, 1928, proposed TO Mr.
Rush, the American minister in London. thaf
the two governments should ---heuia.eiy
unite in r..LI:-I:-o JoInb declaration be
fore Europe" manifestIug their opposition to
the policy and purposes of the alliance In re
gard to this Continent. This expressed the
opinion that the recovery OF the colonies by
Spain was hopeless that their recognition
ss independent states was one of time and
circumstances that the two powers were not
disposed, however, TO Interpose obstacles in
the way to any arrangement by AMIGA Ole me-
gotlatlons between the colonies and Spain
but that whilst they aimed at the acquisition
OF no portion OF these Colonies for themselves.
they would not see the transfer OF any of
them TO third power with indifference Mr.
Canning also observed that in his opinion
such a Jolut declaration by Great Britain aud
the United States would alone prove ill thcient
to prevent the allies from any torcibIs inter
ference againt the former Spanish colonies
For these reasons he earnestly urged Mr..
Rush to become party OF it on behalf of his
government. Although Mr.. Rush had no di-
rect instructions to warrant hun in such al
act, aud this he had communicated to Mr..
Canning, yet he wisely agreed to assume the
responsibility, but upon one express condi
ton. This was, that the British government
should first acknowledge the independence of
the new American repu bio. as the United
States had already done. MIR. Canning. tho
resolved on defeating the alliance against
these republics, was not prepared at the time
to take this decisive step, and therefore the
joint declaration was never made.
Mr. Rush, In his dispatch OF Septem Der | 9,
1928. to Mr.. John Quincy Adams, then sec.
rotary of state, communicated to him a lucid
statement of these negotiations, with explain
atory documents. After these had been con-
sidered by President Monroe, he sent them.
with his own views On the subject, to Mr..
Jefferson, and asked his advice as to the
course which ought to be pursued by the
government to ward off the threatening dam
ger.
Mr.. Jefferson's answer is dated at Month
cello ON the 18th of October, 1928. 1t is
earnest, enthusiastic, and eloquent, display
ing In old age the statesmanlike sagacisy and
ardent patriotism of the author of the Declar-
alton OF lndepe 1dence. Ii foreshadows aud
recommends the Monroe Doctrine" to the
fullest extent. From It's importance we quote
it entire from Randalls Life of Jefferson.
vol. Iii p. 49l. Mr.. Jetfer son SAYS:
''The question presented by the letters YOU bs We
sent me Is The most momentous ever Of
Tered to my contem plation since that of indepen
dence. That made nation this sets ON,
compass and points our course which we are tn
steer through the ocean of time opening ON rs
and never could we embark On ii under crcpm
stances more suspicious. Our first and fundamen
tai maxim should be, never entanple ourselves
III the broils OF Europe. Our second never tn
suffer Europe to inlermedde with CTS cant,s ac
iairs America, north and south, has a set OF in
terests distiact from those Europe, and pecu-
ltariy her own. She should, therefore, have a sys-
TEN oi her own, separate and apart from tina, of
Europe While the last is laborng to become the
domche OF despotlsm, our enteavor shout surely
De TO make our hemisphere that of freedom One
nation most OF ali, could disturb US IN this pur-
SUIT; she now offers lead, d aud accumpany
us In 1t. by accedng to her Deposition, we de-
'ach her from the band of despots, bring her
IN ghty weight into the scale OF free government.
ana emancipate continent one stroke which
might other finger long in doubt and difficult
~. Great Brnan Is the nation which can do us
the most harm OF any one, all on earth; and
with her on our side, we need not fear the whole