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IN

I

THE HISTORY OF THE MONROE

DECLARATION OF 1823

In every conflict of European with American territorial possession on the two western continents, our countrymen make their appeal to the Monroe Doctrine. It is quoted as the supreme, indisputable, and irreversible judgment of our national Union. Among the very few political maxims which serve to guide public opinion in our country, this ranks as the chief. Aside from the traditions which preserve our neutrality in foreign wars and complications, and extend equality of commercial advantages to all friendly nations in their intercourse with us, it may be said to indicate the only established idea of foreign policy which has a permanent influence upon our national administration. It has also taken fast hold on the popular mind. A President of the United States, justly appealing to it in an emergency, could not fail of unanimous following of patriotic citizens, even in presence of a consequently impending war. It touches the instinct of national safety, and of pride in our national institutions. A sagacious observer of public

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