Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1889-02-21

The Exact Text of That Very Widely Quoted
and Talked of Document

In view of Observation-Disclosures
that may arise ont OF the Samoan diff
iiculty, and also OF the Panama and
printed here the first time, we believe,
in forty years, the full text of "the
Monroe Doctrine.' II is copied from
President Monroes annual n.essage
dated Dee. =. 1923:
"It was stated, at the commence
ment of the last session, that u great
effort was then making in Spain ana
Portugal to improve the condition OF
the people OF those countries, and that
it appeared to he conducted with ex-
traordinary moderation. 1t need
scarcely be remarked that the result
has been, so far, very different from
what was then anticipated. Of events
We have so much intercourse, and from
which we derive our origin, we have
always been anxious and interested
spectators. The citizens Of the United
States cherish sentiments the most
friendly in favor of the liberty and
happiness of their feIlowmen on that
side of the Atlantic. IN the wars of
the European powers, in matters re-
lating to themselves, We have never
taken any part, nor does it cOmport
with our policy so to do. 1t is only
when our rights are invaded or seri-
ously menaced, that we resent injuries
or make preparation for our defense.
With the movements in this henri
sphere we are Of necessity more inlme-
diately connected. and by causes which
must he obvious tOall enlightened and
impartial observers. The political
system OF the allied powers is essen
tally different in this respect from
that of America. This difference pro-
ceeds from that which exists in their
respective governments. And to the
defense of our own, which has been
achieved by the loss OF SO much blood
and treasure, and matured by the wis
dom of their most enlightened cit izens.
and under which we have enjoyed un-
exampled felicity, this whole nation is
devoted. We owe it, therefore, TO can
dor and to the amicable relations ex-
listing between the United States and
those powers to declare that we should
consider any attempt on their pari to
extend their system to any portion of
this hemisphere as dangerous to our
peace and safety. With the exist ing
colonies or dependencies OF any Euro
pean power we have not interiered,
and shall not interfere. But with the
governments who have declared their
Independence, and maintained it, and
in whose independence we have. on
great consideration ana on just prin-
ciples, acknowledged, we could not
view any interposition for the purpose
of depressing them, or controlling in
any other manner than destiny, by
any European power. IN any other
light than as the manifest alton OF an
uniriendly disposition toward the
United States. In the war bet wecn
these new governments and spain we
declared our neutrality ut the time oi
their recognition, and to this we have
adhered and shall continue to adhere,
provided no change shall occur which
in the Judgment of the competent au-
thorit les of this government shall make
II corresponding change ON the part OF
the United States Indispensable to
their security.
''1'he late events in Spain and Por-
tugaI show that Europe is still unset
tied. M this important fact no stronger
proof can be adduced than that the
allied powers should have thought IT
proper, on principle satisfactory to
| themselves. to have interposed 10y force
IN the internal concerns Oi Spain. To
what extent such interposition may be
carried, on the same principle. is "A
question to which all independent
powers, whose government differ from
theirs, are int crested ,l-even hose most
remote, and surely none more so than
the United States. Our policy in re-
gard to Europe, which was adopted at
an early stage OF the wars which have
80 long iIgTtHfed thHT 1IIafter OF The
globe. nevertheless remains the same,
which Is, not to interfere in the inter
nal concerns OF any Of its powers: to
consider the government, de factO, as
the legitimate government for us: to
cultivate friendly relations with it,
and to preserve those relations by n
frank, firm and manly policy; meeting
in all instances the Just claims of ev-
cry power, submitting to in juries from
none. But in regard 10 these conti-
| nents, circumstances are eminently and
conspicuOusly different. II is impos-
sible that the allied powers should ex-
tend their politica system to any por-
ton OF either continent without ell
dangerlng our peace and happiness;
nor can any one believe that our
southern brethren, ii lett to them
selves, would adopt it OF their own ac-
cord. 1t is equally impossible, there
fore, that We should behold such inter
position i'm any form with Indifference.
II we look to the comparative strength
and resources OF spain and those new
governments. and their distance from
| each other, it must be obvious that
she can never subdue them. 1t is still
| the true policy OF the United States TO
leave the parties to themselves. in the
hope that other powers will pursue the
same course"