332 MAJOR JOHN P. LACEY 



their independence in the open field; the United States 

 alone recognized their independence. 



The so-called Holy Alliance looked with distrust upon 

 the addition of so vast a territory to the domain of re- 

 publicanism, and conspired to aid the Spanish Bourbons 

 in the conquest of the colonies. 



Great Britain looked upon the situation with the cun- 

 ning eye of a trader. The restoration of these colonies 

 would cripple her commerce in Mexico and South Amer- 

 ica, and strange as it may seem Great Britain herself 

 encouraged the American government in announcing the 

 celebrated doctrine that bears the name of President 

 Monroe. 



The United States bought Florida from Spain, Louis- 

 iana from Napoleon, and Alaska from Russia. As the 

 result of the Mexican War, and of contracts of purchase, 

 she acquired Texas and that vast region embracing the 

 mountains and the Pacific Coast, which is today in itself 

 sufficient for an empire. Every step taken by our fore- 

 fathers has been in the direction of controlling this con- 

 tinent; $50,000,000 were paid in these various contracts 

 of purchase. We often hear the Monroe Doctrine spoken 

 of approvingly but in vague and general terms. 



Let us go a little more into detail ; I believe we should 

 all agree upon it in its full shape and bearing today. 

 When Monroe was elected President of the United States 

 his administration met the approval of all parties. His 

 term of office is often spoken of as the "era of good 

 feeling. ' ' 



Commercially we have always been deeply affected by 

 European influences. Politically it is our policy to stand 

 aloof from all entangements with the Old World. Elec- 

 tric cables and ocean ferries in bringing us nearer to 

 Europe increase our danger and make the necessity of 

 adherence to the doctrine of Monroe all the greater. 



