The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-11-29
A FINE OLD

As "the Monroe doctrine is likely to
play a conspicuous part in any contro-
versy that may arise the
United States and Great Britain rela-
tive to the latter's claims in Venezuela.
it may be of interest to state its origin
and scope. Singularly enough, it owes
its origin and first assertion to a friend
ly suggestion from the very power
against which 1t has since been most fire.
quently asserted, and which is now chal-
longing it's assertion by her aggressive
meddIing in Venezuela.
One of the indirect results of the es-
adjustment of the independence of the
United States was a later attempt on
the part of South American countries
to throw off the yoke Of Spain. Before
1920 they had nearly all ~measurably
succeeded, and the United States a
recognized their independence. But
Spain was not yet willing to finally re-
linquish her grasp on her late posses
sions. Soon after the overthrow of the
empire Of the first Napoleon the CONT
mental powers formed an alliance for
mutual protection against revolutionary
i1 tO
England at first favored and partici-
pated in the alliance, but when Spain
sought to utilize it for the purpose of
restoring her authority in South Amer
lea England became alarmed. She was
interested in preventing the restoration
of Spanish authority in South America
because she had profited largely by
trade with those countries since they
had gained their independence. She
would have made them English depen-
denotes if she could. but next to that
she favored their independence. So. in
1923, the English Secretary of State pri-
vately notified the : m minister in
London of his suspicion regarding
Spain's intentions and suggested that
the United States and England join in
an endeavor to defeat them. John
Quincy Adams, Secretary of State to
President Monroe, speaking of a Cabi-
net meeting held in September, 1923,
saws:
The subject for consideration was the
confidential proposal of Canning. Secretary
of State, to Mr.. Rush, American minister
them relating to the project of the holy al
lance upon South America. The object of
Canning, appears to have been to obtain
some public pledge from the United States
ostensibly against the forcib.e Interference
or the holy alliance between Spain and
South America, but really or specially
against the acquisition by the United States
of any part of the Spanish possessions.
This would indicate that Mr.. Adams
did not attach r~-.oh Importance to the
movement and did not regard the
British Secretary's proposition as sim
- - 1r
ferently. He and others of tina day
thought there was dangersof an attempt
by the European powers to restore all
South America to Spain. After careful
consideration of the subject it was
agreed that the President ought to make
some deliverance in regard to it in his
forthcoming message. His annual mes
sage of 1923 accordingly contained the
following:
relations existing between the United
States and the allied powers to declare that
we should consider any attempt on their
of this hemisphere as dangerous to our
peace and safety. With the existing COL
power we have not interfered and shall not
interfere; but with the governments which
have declared their independence and main
on great consideration and just principles,
acknowledged, we could not view an inter-
position for expressing them. or controlling
European power in any other light than
as a manifestation of an unfriendly dispo-
sition toward the United States.
This declaration created quite a sem
sation in diplomatic circles. of that day.
and had a marked influence in shaping
the policies of European powers. 1t was
heartily approved by England, and
FASTENED her recognition of the inde-
pe%ndence of the Spanish American col
onies. 1t has become the basis Of a dis
tinct American policy which popular
construction has broadened into a sort
of political protection or guardianship
of this continent, to be exercised by the
United States against any further es-
~tablishment or extension of European
power. Originating in a suggestion from
England, it has been asserted more
firmly against that government than any
other, and will probably figure con-
spicuously in the final settlement of the
Venezuela question. 1t is a very handy
doctrine to have in the political house
hold.