With the existing colonies or dependencies of any
European power we have not interfered, and shall
not interfere. But with the governments who
have declared their independence, and maintained
it, and whose independence we have, on great
consideration, and on just principles, acknowl-
edged, we could not view any interposition for
the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in
any other manner their destiny, by any Euro-
pean power, in any other light than as the mani-
festation of an unfriendly disposition towards the
United States. . ..
**Our policy in regard to Europe, which was
adopted at an early stage of the wars which have
so long agitated that quarter of the globe, never-
theless remains the same, which is, not to inter-
fere in the internal concerns of any of its pow-
ers ; * . . to cultivate friendly relations with it,
and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm,
and manly policy ; meeting, in all instances, the
just claims of every power, submitting to inju-
ries from none. But in regard to these conti-
nents, circumstances are eminently and conspicu-
i6



242 PEBIOD OF NATIONALITY

ously different. It is impossible that the allied
powers should extend their political system to any
portion of either continent without endangering
our peace and happiness ; nor can any one believe
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
interposition, in any form, with indifference. '' . ..
Topics for Papers

1 When did the policy stated in the first para-
graph originate ?

2 Quote that part of the message, which states
the Monroe doctrine.
