THE MONROE DOCTRINE 303 



further had been done toward the recognition of the South 

 American states. The President said in his annual message 

 (December 7, 1819) : 



This contest has from its commencement been very interesting 

 to other powers, and to none more so than to the United States 

 A virtuous people may and will confine themselves within the limit 

 of a strict neutrality ; but it is not in their power to behold a con- 

 flict so vitally important to their neighbors without the sensibility 

 and sympathy which naturally belong to such a case. 



At the reading of the next annual message, November 4, 

 (1820), the situation was little changed. No further threats 

 from the European alliance having come across the sea, the 

 United States had not been moved to act. The President 

 said : 



No facts are known to this Government to warrant the belief 

 that any of the powers of Europe will take part in the contest, 

 whence it may be inferred, considering all circumstances which 

 must have weight in producing the result, that an adjustment will 

 finally take place on the basis proposed by the colonies. To pro- 

 mote that result by friendly counsels with other powers, includ- 

 ing Spain herself, has been the uniform policy of this Govern- 

 ment. 



Henry Clay never ceased his attacks upon the administra- 

 tion for what he considered its almost criminal negligence in 

 abandoning the great cause of liberty. By extending our 

 recognition of their sovereignty it would not only give en- 

 couragement to the states struggling to free themselves from 

 the clutches of tyranny, but it would give as well "additional 

 tone, and hope, and countenance to the friends of liberty 

 throughout the world." Clay saw deeper reasons why the 

 United States should lend a hand to her Southern neighbors. 

 In a great speech at Lexington in 1821, he said: 



It was evident after the overthrow of Bonaparte that the 

 alliance, by which that event was unexpectedly brought about, 

 would push the principle of legitimacy, a softer and covered name 

 for despotism, to the uttermost extent. Accordingly, the present 



