88 ROWE— THE UNITED STATES AS [April 24. 



2d. To prevent the extension of the European political system to 

 the United States, the overthrow of the domestic institutions of an 

 American state by European influence, or the control of the political 

 destinies of an American state by any European power. 



These two leading principles, which were of an essentially nega- 

 tive character are still vital principles of the foreign policy of the 

 United States, in the maintenance of which every state of the 

 American continent is deeply interested. The cordiality of our rela- 

 tions with the countries of South America demands that the Monroe 

 Doctrine be limited to its original content. If this is done, there 

 need be no fear of wounding the sensibilities or arousing the oppo- 

 sition of the countries of South America. 



When, therefore, in our relations with the islands of the West 

 Indies, with Central America or with Mexico, it becomes necessary 

 to go beyond the negative principles of the Monroe Doctrine, and 

 enforce positive principles of foreign policy, let us take such a step 

 fully cognizant of the fact that we are not acting under any supposed 

 principles of the Monroe Doctrine, but on the basis of a policy dic- 

 tated by the requirements of the special conditions in the ]\Iedi- 

 terannean section of the American continent. Special agreements 

 looking toward cooperation for the maintenance of stability, such 

 as the reorganization of the San Domingan finances, do not rest on 

 any principle of the Monroe Doctrine, but are dictated by the ex- 

 ceptional relationship above referred to. 



Our Mexican policy is another of the influences that has reacted 

 unfavorably upon the international position of the United States. 

 No one will doubt for a moment the lofty ideals which have actuated 

 the President in the formulation of his policy, but it is also clear 

 that in spite of all protestations to the contrary our Mexican policy 

 has aroused a marked feeling of opposition amongst the peoples of 

 Central and South America, and has served to foster secret under- 

 standings between European governments for the purpose of pro- 

 tecting what they regard as their national rights and the rights of 

 their citizens. We must always bear in mind that whatever may be 

 our personal views with reference to the Monroe Doctrine it has 

 always been regarded by the European countries as an expression 



