The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-04-25

many interpretations, anu n0uC0 IL Is
that newspapers and individuals hold
ing Numerically opposite views are
alike quoting the famous deliverance in
support Of their own positions, and some
are giving to it all the Importance that
would be accorded a solemn treaty be-
tween nations or part Of the written
law. For the benefit of those who have
never read the message in which the
passages now so often referred to &C.
Cured the essential sentences are here
reproduced:
We owe it. therefore, to candor, and to the
amicable relations existing between the Unit
ed States and those powers composing the SO
called holy alliance), to declare that we
should consider any attempt their part to
extend their system to any portion of this
hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and
safety. With the existing colonies or depend
encies of any European power we have not
interfered and shall not interfere. But with
the governments who have declared their in
dependence and maintained it, and whose in
dependence we have on great consideration,
and on Just principles. acknowledged, we could
not view any interposition for the purpose of
expressing them controlling in any other
manner their destiny, by any European power,
in any other light than the manifestation
of unfriendly disposition toward the United
States.
The occasion for this message was the
proposed action of Russia, Prussia and
Austria, the three powers composing
''the holy alliance - The alliance was
formed in 1915 for the avowed purpose
of protecting aud spreading the Chris
tian religion, but really to check and, if
possible, stop the rising tide of repub-
licanism which had not only become
we'll grounded in America, but had got
a very good start in Europe. It was pro-
posed among other things to restore
Spanish dominion in South America.
France had thrown its weight with the
allied powers, and England had been
asked to do So It was England's refusal
which led to Monroe's enunciation, and
it is doubtful that he would have been
SO outspoken had it not been for definite
assurances regarding the attitude Of
Great Britain.
Cooperation between the two great
English speaking nations of the world
was necessary at that time for the well
fare of both. The alliance had invited
the United States as we'll as England to
join the compact, but it was evident to
both governments that neither could
hope to gain anything by acoeding-
that, on the contrary, it would be to the
disadvantage of both. Neither, however,
could have we'll afforded to oppose the
alliance single handed, but when both
declared against the scheme the alliance
died a natural death. OF course Eng
lands attitude was largely the result of
selfishness, and SO indeed was that of
the United States-that higher selfish
ness which men call patriotism and in
which most men take great pride.
Tt was curious combination Of cir
fumstances that made it expedient for
this country to join hands with Eng
land, the only power with which it
had ever engaged in serious war, and
which it had twice defeated. It is per-
haps quite as curious that the first prac-
teal application of the Monroe doctrine
was made against England by the Unit
ed States when England sought to es-
tablish a protectorate over that part of
Central America known as the Mosquito
Coast. In fact, most of the talk concern
ing the Monroe doctrine has been in
spired by actual or suspected doings on
the part of Great Britain, and the trou-
BILE in Nicaragua now has to do with
the same Mosquito Coast which Great
Britain proposed to bring under her do
minion many years ago.