50 REFORM AND DEMOCRACY 



the President, the cabinet, and even Jefferson 

 and Madison, whose opinions were confidentially 

 sought by Monroe. Abundant reasons were 

 perceived for refraining from formal association 

 with Great Britain in a declaration of policy, 

 but the wisdom of some pronouncement was 

 not questioned by any. Accordingly, the fa 

 miliar paragraphs were inserted in the Presi 

 dent s annual message to Congress in December. 

 After a general expression of sympathy with 

 the peoples of Europe in their struggles for lib 

 erty and happiness, and of a purpose, never 

 theless, to abstain from taking part in any wars 

 there, the momentous declaration was made: 



With the movements in this hemisphere we are, of 

 necessity, more immediately connected, and by causes 

 which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial 

 observers. The political system of the allied powers is 

 essentially different in this respect from that of America. 

 The difference proceeds from that which exists in their 

 respective governments. And to the defence of our own, 

 which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood 

 and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most 

 enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed 

 such unexampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted. 

 We owe it, therefore, to candor, and to the amicable re 

 lations existing between the United States and those 

 powers, to declare that we should consider any attempt 

 on their part to extend their system to any portion of this 

 hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. With 



