334 MAJOR JOHN F. LACEY 



In 1823, when Mexico and South America were con- 

 vulsed with the war, which resulted in their permanent 

 separation from Spain, the Holy Alliance were about to 

 interfere in behalf of monarchy and against the freedom 

 of the people in the New World. 



They believed that they had crushed out all the germs 

 of democracy in Europe. They were determined that 

 freedom should not spread in the new continents. It 

 was then, after much discussion and preparation, that 

 President Monroe sent in his celebrated message to Con- 

 gress. Let me read that part of it which has become so 

 famous : 



In the discussion to which this interest has given rise, and in 

 the arrangements by which they may terminate, the occasion has 

 been adjudged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the 

 rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the 

 American continents, by the free and independent condition 

 which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be 

 considered as subjects for colonization by any European powers. 



It was stated at the commencement of the last session that a 

 great effort was then making in Spain and Portugal, to improve 

 the condition of the people of those countries, and that it ap- 

 peared to be conducted with extraordinary moderation. It need 

 scarcely be remarked that the result has been, so far, very differ- 

 ent from what was then anticipated. Of events in that quarter of 

 the globe, with which we have so much intercourse and from 

 which we derive our origin, we have always been anxious and in- 

 terested spectators. The citizens of the United States cherish sen- 

 timents the most friendly in favor of the liberty and happiness of 

 their fellow-men on that side of the Atlantic. In the wars of 

 European powers, in matters relating to themselves, we have 

 never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy so to do. 

 It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced, that 

 we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense. With the 

 movements in this hemisphere we are of necessity more imme- 

 diately connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all en- 

 lightened and impartial observers. The political system of the 



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