Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1896-01-13
THE DOCTRINE OF MONROE
FULL TEXT OF THE NOW FAMOUS
DOCUMENT.


Inc Monroe uOctrlhe was pro-
mulgated as a protest against
foreign interference in affairs con-
corning the western hemisphere.
The revolution which freed the
thirteen colonies from the English
yoke inspired the same desire to
be free among the Spanish
American colonies. The revolts
were successful and republics arose
upon the ruins of broken Spanish
authority. The attempt on the
part of European powers to seize
upon and divide up the territory
lost to Spain was met by Presi-
dent Monroe in a bold statement
which was sent to Congress in
his annual message of December
2, 1928 Here it is in full:
1t was stated at the commence
ment Of the last session that
great effort was then making in
Spain and Portugal to improve
the condition of the people of
those countries, and that it APP
appear d to be conducted with
extraordinary moderation. 1t need
scarcely be remarked that the re-
sult has oeen 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
spectators. The citizens of the
United States cherish sentiments
the most friendly i'll favor of the
liberty and happiness of their
fellowmen on that side of the
Atlantic. In the wars of the
European powers, in matters
relating to themselves, we have
never taken any part, nor does it
comport with our policy to do 50.
1t is only when rights are invaded
or seriously menaced that we re-
sent injuries or make preparations
for our defense.
With the movements in this
hemisphere we are of necessity
more Immediately connected, and
bv causes which must be obvious
to all enlightened aud impartial
observers. The political system
Of the allied powers is essentially
different in this respect from that
of America. This d ference pro-
ceeds from 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 wisdom of
their most enlightened citizens,
and under which we have enjoyed
unexampled felicity, this Nation
is devoted.
We owe it, therefore, to candor
and to the amicable relations ex-
isting between the United States
and these powers to declare that
we should consider any attempt
on their part to. extend their sys
tenn to any portion of this hemis-
phere as dangerous to our peace
and safety.
With the existing colonies or
dependencies of any European
power we have not interleled and
shall not interfere. But with the
governments which have declared
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 purpose of depressing
them or controlling in any other
manner their destiny by any
European power in any oth,l
light than as the manifestation Of
an unfriendly disposition toward
the United States.
In the war between these new
Governments and Spain we de,
clared our neutrality at the time
of their recognition, and to this
we have adhered, and shall con-
tinue to adhere, provided nc
change shall occur which, in the
Judgment of the competent
authorities of this Government,
shall make corresponding
change on the part of the United
States indispensable to their
aecuritv.