The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-04-13
THE MONROE DOCTRINE.
When and How 1t Was Enunciatcd and
What 1t Is-How 1t Affects The Policy of
This Republic Today.

ihiS NSpupiiS lOuhys
From the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Monroe doctrine was promul-
gated as a protest against foreign in
reference in affairs concerning the
western hemisphere. The revolution
which freed the thirteen colonies from
English yoke inspired the same de-
sire to be free among the Spanish
American colonies. The revolts were
successful and little republics arose
upon the ruins of broken Spanish
authority. The attempt on the part
of European powers to seize upon
the territory lost to Spain and divide
1t up was met by President Monroe
in bold document which was sent
to congress in his annual message of
Dec. 2, 1928. In these days when the
Monroe doctrine is upon every lip 1t is
well to read and re-read the patriotic
utterances of this patriot president.
There is no better literature. Here it
is in full:
1t was stated at the commencement
of the last session that a great effort
was then making in Spain and Portu-
gal to improve the condition of the
people of those countries, and that 1t
appeared to be conducted with extra
ordinary moderation. 1t need scarcely
be remarked that the result has been.
so far, very different from what was
then anticipated. OF events in that
quarter of the globe with which we
have so much intercourse, and from
which we derive our origin, we have al
ways been anxious and interested spec
tators. The citizens of the United
States cherish sentiments the most
friendly in favor of the liberty and
happiness of their fellowmen 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 to do so. 1t is only
when rights are invaded or seriously
menaced that we resent injuries or
make preparations for our defense.
A Duty of Sclf.Dcfensc.
With the movements in this hemi-
sphere we are of necessity more i'm
mediately' connected, and by causes
which must be obvious. to all enlight-
ened and impartial observers. The
political system of the allied powers
Is essentially different in this respect
from that of America. This difference
proceeds Sfrom 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 our most enlightened citizens
and under which we have enjoyed un-
exampled felicity, this nation Is de-
voted.
We owe 1t, therefore, to candor and
to the amicable relations existing be-
tween the United States and these
powers to declare that we should con-
slider any attempt on their part to
extend their system to any portion of
this hemisphere as dangerous to our
peace and safety.
With the existing colonies or depen-
dencies of any European power we have
not. interfered and shall not interfere.
But with the governments who have
declared their independence and main
tained 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 depressing them or controlling
| in any other manner their destiny by
any European power in any other light
than as the manifestation of an un-
friendly disposition towards the United
States. asst
| In the war between these new govern
ments and Spain we declared our neu-
trality at the time of 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 authorities of this gov
ernment, shall make a corresponding
| change on the part of the United States
| Indispensable to their security.
| The late events In Spain and Portugal
show that Europe Is still unsettled. OF
this important fact no stronger proof