The Republican journal., 1895-12-26

IT CASTS NO EYES ON POSSESSION OF FOR
EIGN POWERS THAT HAD BEEN ACQUIRE
ED BEFORE IT WAS PROMULGATED.
The keynote of the Monroe doctrine is
opposition to mon archical aggression in
the western hemisp here.
Being a political principle, in no way
embodied in international law, the Mon
roe doctrine relies for its enforcement
upon the government Of the United
States, and not on any tribunal that might
settle disputes between nations in which
the points in dispute were amenable to
international law
AS the enforcement of the doctrine
might call for such extreme measures as
the employment Of the army and navy of
the United States, when ali other means
fail, its history. object and status cannot
be too we'll understood by the people.
The Monroe doctrine is a term applied
to a declaration of principles made by
Pres. Monroe in his message to congress
Dec. ?, 1923.
This declaration was made in two state
ments, one relating to the attitude OF
Russia ia claiming large territory IN the
northwestern part of this continent, the
other in relation to an attempt of the
'sholv alliance" so-called, combination
of European powers, to rehabilitate the
fallen power of Spain in the Spanish
American States which had then recently
achieved their independence.
The vital statement made in the first
case was as follows
''In the discussions to which this inter-
est (Russia's boundary claim) has given
rise, and in the arrangements 10y which
they may terminate, the occasion has been
judged proper for asserting, as a principle
in which the rights and interests of the
U nited States are involved, that the
American continents, by the free and in
dependent condition which they have as
sumed and maintained, are henceforth
not to be considered as subjects for future
colonization by any European powers. -
The second statement of principle in
the message was made at the request of
England, which was opposed to the aims
of the "holy alliance in relation to the
Spanish American States, for the reason
that the re establishment Of Spains pow
Ell in those States would greatly injure
England 5 commerce.
The 'sholy alliance formed after the
downfall Of Napoleon, was composed of
Russia, Prussia, Austria and France. Its
object was TO sustain monarchial princi-
pies and governments. and to restore to
their thrones the legitimate monarchs who
had been ousted by ''the little Corsican,'
or by their liege subjects before Napo-
Icons star rose in the ornament of Eu-
rope.
While England was in sympathy with
the aims III the alliance as applied to Eu-
Il. ,,.,t l,11-
when her own interests became involved.
The United States was young nation,
and England pointed ont that it could not
afford to see monarchial form of govern
ment again become established SO near its
borders, as there would be implied danger
to the republic in such a condition OF af-
fairs.
President Monroe, with the approval of
his cabinet, therefore took the view that
the L nited States could not afford to see
the ''holy alliance carry out it's purpose,
and embodied III his message OF the date
mentioned the following statement, which,
with the one already quoted, makes up
the now famous Monroe doctrine:
sin the wars of the European powers,
in matters relating 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 defence. 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 observers.
The political system of the allied powers
is essentially different in this respect from
fr.,m thar which axists in tho;r rd p,nas
governments And To the defence of nnr
own which, has haan .oh;auad Nv, ~ ~
of % n,nch hlond and +ro,s,,ro o,,d -
tnrod Nv +be u;sdo,, ~ +ha;s s4 -
liuhtened citizens and nndar Which We
have enioyed nneyamnled fe,;oitS tho
whole nat;on ;s Javntad ''' viz
.sNa awe Il +harafo,a +o o,,dor.l -
the amicahle ralations ay;st;na ho+masr
the Tinted States and those nnwe,s w. d.
clare that wa should cons;darr an,, .t+ar,,,ts
.nv nort;nn rs +L;s bon,;snLaro - y da,.lso.
80 ~ 80 .,d pase ~ saioy WIZ .ne
E,,r,,1as,, 800 W, ha,1 40. ;.,4o ~. ~
and Shall not interfere: but with the GOV
,,,,,aptc x,vbo l,aun Jaoio,oJ +1,o;, ;,lo