THE MONROE DOCTRINE 369 



expect the interference of this government in any form on 

 their behalf, no matter to what extremities they may be 

 reduced in consequence of their conduct." 



There can be no question of the official neutrality of the \ 

 United States Government, but the fitting out of filibuster- ' 

 ing expeditions could not be prevented. Undismayed by 

 the failure of his first attempt, Lopez travelled through the 

 Southern states, where he found both cordial sympathy and 

 material aid for his project. A second expedition was or- \ 

 ganized (1850) under the auspices of some wealthy Southern 

 planters, but met with reverses in Cuba. Lopez was then 

 prosecuted by the United States for violation of the neutral- 

 ity laws, but having escaped conviction, he proceeded to 

 organize a third expedition. This time, along with many 

 American citizens upon his staff and within his ranks, he 

 was captured, sentenced, and executed in Havana by the 

 Spanish authorities. Public indignation in the United 

 States, especially in the South, was keenly aroused by the 

 execution of the Americans in Havana. Anti-Spanish dem- 

 onstrations took place in New Orleans. Spain at once ap- 

 pealed to France and England for protection against any 

 American attack upon Cuba which now seemed imminent. 

 These two powers despatched naval forces to the West In- 

 dies, and declared their intention of repelling any invasion 

 of Cuba. While the United States Government disclaimed 

 any purpose of forcibly seizing Cuba, the naval demonstra- 

 tion of England and France in Cuban waters was most offen- 

 sive. The act brought forth a protest from the administration \. 

 predicated upon the Monroe Doctrine, for the action of these 

 two powers could only be regarded by the United States 

 " with grave disapproval, as involving on the part of Euro- 

 pean sovereigns combined action of protectorship over Ameri- 

 can waters." Great Britain and France, being strongly urged 

 by Spain, went still farther. In April, 1852, the French and 

 English diplomatic agents in Washington proposed to the 

 United States the signing of a tripartite agreement, by virtue 

 of which the parties should disavow all present or future 

 intention to obtain possession of the island of Cuba, and 



2B 



