THE MONROE DOCTRINE x 



Holidays are of slow growth, in as busy a nation as 

 ours; holidays are only chosen because of some great 

 purpose involved in their celebration. The day we cele- 

 brate is the greatest of all anniversaries, for it commem- 

 orates the birth of a nation. 



It is usual to devote the day to the noisiest form of 

 patriotism. The liberty bell that rang in our first na- 

 tional birthday has been broken and voiceless for many 

 years; but bells and guns and voices have taken up the 

 chorus, and the old liberty bell can afford to be silent. 



This day is well spent when it is devoted to patriotic 

 impulses and the revival of great national sentiments. 

 I have concluded to depart somewhat from the usual 

 course of speakers on this occasion, and in so doing I 

 hope we will not lose sight of the fact that the subject 

 which I shall discuss is one vital to the well-being of this 

 nation, and essential to the preservation of its liberties 

 and independence. 



It is common to speak in general terms of the Monroe 

 Doctrine. The principles of that doctrine are approved 

 by every political party in the United States. In dis- 

 cussing this question we can all unite in one common pa- 

 triotic sentiment ; and upon this sacred day there are too 

 many things that we can unite upon to render it either 

 necessary or desirable that we should discuss any of the 

 things upon which we are divided. The duties of this 

 nation expand with its greatness ; our country dominates 

 in the western hemisphere, and we owe a duty to the New 

 World in which our nation has grown so great. 



1 Address at Eldon, Iowa, July 4, 1895, by John F. Lacey. 



