New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-22
UONPOE'S CTRtN DOCTRINE.

In addition 10 the wcll-known doctrine with
which his name Is commonly associated. Presi-
dent Monroe put forth another almost equally
striking declaration concerning the attitude OF
tho United States Government toward the ISL
and of Cuba. He announced to the world. In
The most explicit and emphati" terms. that no
other nation would be permitted TO intervene in
Cuban affairs or to take posi- ssion of the isl
and Spain might hold it 10 the end of time. #
she pleased and If she could. With her sover-
eighty the United States had no quarrel. But
She must not code II 10 any other Power. and
10 o'he? Power must attempt 10 lake il from
hcr Ivy force or otherwise. When, If ever. Span
become an independent state. or he annexed 10
the United States. That was Monroe's dcclara-
ton 10 the world, through his Secretary Of
state. John Quincy Adams. The doctrine thus
stated was not challenged by any other Govern
meni nj the time. and has never been success
fully challenged by any since 1t has been r.
lcatcd by The Succc sors of Monroe AMI
adams whenever occasion has warranted. and
nay he rcckoncd. at the age of sovcnry-fOur
years. n fixed nnd integral part Of the policy of
Tic United States.
In thus warning Ill other nations TO keep their
hands of Cuba the United States assumed
grave responsibility. II practically made itself
accountable 10 The world for the future of that
island. But /; did something more than that.
], rendered Spain an incidentally great service.
Ii established n protcctorate over the Spanish
ownership of Cuba. Nor has that protectorate
existed merely in name Fifty odd years ago it
WAS exercised rs n practical force At that
time Great Britain WAS reasonably suspected of
designs upon Cuba. Beyond question: it was in
her power TO take the island for her own. But
tie United States through the eloquent medium
Of Daniel Webster. then Secretary Of State, as
surcd Spain and warned Great Britain. and
proclaimed TO the world that any such attempt
would he resisted by this country, forcibly and
10 the uttermost Over and over again Spain
vas told that in case Of any attempt by any
Power TO wrest Cuba from her she might Sc
fulely depend upon the whole military and
laval resources of the United States to aid her
IT. preserving or recovering it.
That pledge has never been repudiated nor
Withdrawn. 1t is valid to-day as it was when
Webster made it. Without undue Boosting it
may be said that its potent existence for more
tnan half century has placed Spain under
c'eat obligations TO the United States She
ewes to this country her continued ownership
OF CUBA. For that service, the United States
makes no claim for recompense. except To he
regarded by Spain 3s friend. and especially rs
friend I'm relation TO Cuba. and to have the
representations, circumstances and propositions
OF this Government concerning Cuba received
IN friendly and considerable manner On the
strength of the unchallengad and untarnished
Iccord of seventy-fOur years. the United States
has the right and the duty TO discuss the Cuban
question with Spain. with a view to the welfare
of both nations, and to the inter ,st of human
iiy and civilization.