The Indianapolis journal., 1903-12-13
MONROE DOCTRINE NOW
IS INTERNATIONAL LAW
Addison c. Harris Talks of Fa-
nous Principle Before the
Columbia Club.
PANAMA. CANAL OUR OWN

Hon Addison c. Harris. former United
States minister TO Austria and we'll
known authority on international law. lee
tured before a good audience of members
at the Columbia Club last evening on THE
Monroe Doctrine"
Mr. Harris entered into a brief but COM
prehensive history of the Monroe doctrine.
which he declared Is not the law Of the
land, but has gradually grown TO the point
where IT is practically recognized by all
nations as a potent factor in international
law and its authority is given recognition.
Washington's principle OF "noninterven-
ton and Jefferson's statement with regard
to "entangiing alliances were the logical
forerunners OF the famous doctrine as
finally enuncfated by President Monroe, in
these words:
I'm the discussions to which this interest
has given rise, and in the arrangements in
which they may terminate. the occasion
has been judged proper for asserting
principle In which the rights and interests
Of the United States are involved; that the
American continents. by the free and inde-
pendent condition which they have as
sumed and maintained. are henceforth not
to be considered as subjects for future
colonization by any European power.
We owe 1t. therefore, TO candor and to
the amicable relations existing between the
United States and those powers (the Holy
AIliancs) to declare that we should con-
slider any attempt on their part to extend
their system to any portion Of this hemi-
sphere dangerous to peace and
safety
President Monroe stated that IL was not
the desire or purpose Of the United States
70 interfere with then existing colonies
meaning Canada and Cuba-nor has this
country ever assumed 10 regulate the form
Of government of other American coun-
tries, as. for Instance. Mexico and Brazil.
HISTORY OF DOCTRINE.
In 1s4S. when Yucatan offered sovereignty
to the United States, England or Spain.
President Polk denied the power of "volun-
tary acquisition" TO England and recon-
mendsd that this country assume sover-
eighty over Yucatan. but this the United
States refused to do.
The situation in Mexico in 1866, when this
country insisted on a recognition Of the
Monroe doctrine. and England and Spain
acquiesced, was touched on, and the speak
er then came down to the Venezuelan situ-
alton In 1895, when President Clevelands
firm stand seemed for a time to threaten
war with England.
This situation. said Mr.. Harris, empha-
sized the statement OF President Monroe,
the author of the doctrine, when he said;
1--WE could not view any interposition for
the purpose of expressing them (South
American states) or controlling In any
other manner their destiny by any Euro
pean power in any other light than mani
festation Of an unfriendly disposition
towards the United States"
Following a review of the recent situa-
tion In Venezuela, in which England and
Germany were involved, and In which the
Monroe doctrine was again practically rec
ognized, Mr.. Harris stated that the ulti-
mate conclusion at which this country has
arrived TO the meaning of the Monroe
doctrine and its recognized value in inter-
national law Is this-that We will permit
no power to do anything on this hemi-
general welfare. On this point, said Mr..
Harris. quoting Mr.. Olney, Our fiat Is
law"
In conclusion Mr.. Harris took up the
--euestipn<of the Panama canal and its bear
fng>on the future greatness and growth of
the United States. President Roosevelt,
he said, has not mentioned the Monroe doc
trine, but England. France, Germany. Rus
sia and Austria have come to recognize our
right Of open way from coast TO coast. The
Panama canal will be TO what England s
Gibraltar Is to IL, essential and justly
our own His final statement was that
"the Monroe doctrine Is the American prin-
ciple that America Is for Americans.