The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1895-11-14
MONROE DOCTRINE.
FACTS CONCERNING IT'S ORIGIN AND
WHAT IT SIGNIFIES.
First Suggested by an English Statesman.
Submitted to Jefferson aud Madison,
Who Approved It-Never Received Con.
Rressional Affirmation.

1t is singular fact that the Monroe
doctrine is Of British origin. In 1923
George Canning, British foreign secre-
tary of state, suggested that the United
States government shonld take decided
ground against interference by the holy
alliance" in Mexico and South Amer
ica, where the Spanish colonies had es
tablished their independence.
The "holy alliance" was a union Of
Austria. France, Prussia and Russia for
the maintenance of the European mon
aTchies 1t was formed soon after the
Napoleonio wars and was renewed and
strengthened in 1920, when uprisings
occurred in several countries Of Europe.
Great Britain had been asked TO join the
combination, and some steps had been
taken in that direction under Lord Cas-
tlereagh. On his death by suicide Can
ming became foreign minister. and I'M
der his guidance Great Britain held
aloof from the continental alliance.
The United States had recognized the
independence Of Mexico and the other
revolted Spanish colonies, and Canning
was inclined to pursue the same course.
In 1923 he suggested to Richard Rush,
United States minister at London, that
this government should express in
forcible manner its opposition to inter
yenti0n by the European powers in be
half Of Spain against its colonies which
had rejected allegiance.
This suggestion was conveyed to Pres
idcnt Monr,e through John Quincy
Adams, the American secretary Of state.
President Monroe submitted the propO-
stion Of Canning to jefferson and Mad
ison for their opinion on the subject.
jefferson : answer was prompt and de
cisive in favor of such a declaration as
Canning had suggested. He said it was
the most momentous question submitted
for his opinion since the Declaration of
Independence Madison approved of
jefferson s opinion and equally appre-
ciated the importance Of the question.
Under these circumstances President
Monroe, in his annual message Dec. 2,
1928, expressed the doctrine that has
since borne his name. There had been
some correspondence with Russia and
Great Britain in regard to boundary
treaties which the president described,
adding;
In tho discussions to which this in
terest has given rise, and in the ar
Engagements by which they may termi-
nate, the occasion has been judged prop
er for asserting as principle III which
the rights and interests of the United
States are involved that the American
continents, by the free and Independent
condition which they have assumed and
maintain, are henceforth not to be
considered as subjects Of colonization
by any European powers. y
In the SAME message, referring to the
instructions in Europe, President Mon
roe said that the United States would
always be anxious and interested spec
tatOrs of events, but declared:
"In the mass of European powers III
matters relating to themselves we have
never taken any part, nor does it com
port with our policy to do SO. 1t is only
when our rights are invaded or serious
ly menaced that we resent injuries or
make preparations for defense. With the
movements in this hemisphere we are Of
necessity more Immediately connected,
and by causes which must be obvious to
all enlightened and impartial observ
ers -
The political system of the allied
powers is essentially different in this
respect from that of America. This diff
ference proceeds from that which exists
in their respective governments. And to
the defense of our own, which has been
acquired by the loss of SO much blood
and treasure and matured by the wis
dom OF their most enlightened citizens,
and under which we have enjoyed I'M
exampled felicity, this whole nation is
devoted. We owe it, therefore, to the
candur and to the amicable relations ex
listing between the United States and
those powers to declare that we should
consider any attempt on their parts to
extend their system to this hemisphere
as dangerous to our peace and safety.
With the existing colonies or dependen-
cies of any European government we
have not interfered and shall not inter
fere. But with the governments that
have declared their independence and
maintained it and whose independence
we have on great consideration and on
just principles acknowledged, we could
not view any interposition for the pur
pose of expressing them, or controlling
in any other manner their destiny, in
any other light than as manifestation
of an unfriendly disposition toward the
United States. "
This is the Monroe doctrine: l. No
new European colonies on this hemi-
sphere. 2. No interference with colonies
of European powers now existing 8.
No interference by any European power
with the affairs of any American nation
1t is but justice to say that the vigorous
language i'll which it is expressed evil
IDENTIFY came from the able and caustic
pen of John q. Adams, secretary of
state. John c. Calhoun was secretary Of
war in the same cabinet and approved
the positions taken by the president.
This doctrine never has been affirmed
by congress. in fact, it has been rejected
repeatedly when resolutions were offered
approving the acts of the government on
the subject. But it has been reaffirmed
by every administration since that of
Monroe in one form or another. The
vigorous declarations of Mr.. Seward and
the commencement of preparations for