Norwich bulletin., 1919-03-15
THE DOCTRINE OF PRESIDENT MONROE

we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with the governments who have declared theic Independence and maintained 1t. and whose inde- ;endence we have on great eonsidera- ton and on just principles acknowl- edged, we could not v.ew any inter position for the purpose Of expressing them or controlling in any ether man
 Ter their destinies by any European
 power in any other ligh than as the manifestation of an unfriendly dispo- sitien towarsl he Uniteu 5::,:ts. It is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political system to
 any portion of either continent with
 out endangerirg our peace and happ1- ness; nor can anyone hc'ie7e that our southern brethren if left to themselves would adopt it of their own accord. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposftion in any form with indifference.
 The above statement is the only
 text extant of the Menroe Doctrine.
 This statement was neve.- recog- n:zed or supported by legislative ac-
 ton OH the part of congress It was, however, accepted as state declara- t.en of national roiicy in like fashion l to the acceptance of similar earlier English declarations. X few years after it's ut:erance, Cacatng. then nfime minister of England. declared lis ceu1try's agreement with the principles of Monroe.
 | The Monlt3 Doctrine immediately cut of Russian and S,anish aims towards conquest in America. 1t pre- vented new territorial claims; it de-
 n:ed the right of foreign interven ton; it announced a policy Of Ca sort of self determination for the coun-
 tties of Latin America. but it limited American influence in South America l by disclaiming Americas intention to interfere with the choice of govern
 rlGEt of the free nations and with the lGovernment of European dependencies iu South America
 The most important feature Of the doctrine was. however. the fact that America, by preventing foreign 'activ- tity in the two Americas. announced it's intention of acting i'll q similar fashion inresard to European affairs. That is. America promised to refrain tfron- activities in Europe of the sort 1 Specifically defined as forl,idden in the Americas to foreign powers.
 II. regard to Russia claims in America, the Monroe doctrine was
 immediately enforced by forcing Rus
 sia in 1924 to disclaim any territorial
 rights south of 54 degrce.; 40 min
 utes.
 jI When in 1885 and 1916 .he United
 States annexed Texas. New Mexico lard California, it was felt that the ! Goctrine was not infr:uged. During fl the Civil war. France WIS active il
 Mezico. but before 1t braa1ne neces-
 Isary to use the doctrine she with
 drew, h 1895 President Cleveland
 invoked it. settling Brftis: boundar: c,a ms in Venezuela
 , Ill 1905. in connection with Britisl | '-lI inns in t4a1+ana and Vrrt-~te1a thu , Monroe doctrine was so interpreted 2 oE Secretary DnleF thaf Great Britail withdrew he: claims The Onley in trrpretation declared against the ex 5 i:;fence of foreign depcn Ic-fcies il 5 America. It denounced American s treaties wits foreign powers an, : stated that foreign powers should ar . bitrate controversies. l. hacked U $ :ts provisions by saying that tn | United States would feel ,sttfied i } raaking> war to support them 3 i9hi. Americ-! forced Germany t c withdraw pressure on Venzuela = President Roosevelt during his terr = upheld the rfaso doctrine whereb [ no state can be invaded for the pur - fEose Of collecting debty. By this doc l ftl.ne, the United States became re r sponsible in some degree fer all tn r obligations Of Americau nations.