THE MONROE DOCTRINE 371 



map to see how remote are the relations of Europe, and how 

 intimate those of the United States with this island." 



The principles of the Monroe Doctrine were not only 

 adhered to by the President, but the interpretation of its 

 words was enlarged into a protest against permitting either 

 European voice or arms to control the destinies of New 

 World territories that lay near the borders of the United 

 States. Beyond doubt the position was well taken. To 

 have entered into such an agreement would not only have 

 violated the older doctrine against entangling alliances with 

 Europe, but would have bound American hands in a particu- 

 larly awkward manner. If the United States desired to 

 prevent European annexation of Cuba, it would have been 

 consummate folly thus to curtail her freedom of action. Of 

 all the Spanish-American states, Cuba came nearest home. 

 A concentration of foreign interests there would have proved 

 a danger not to be tolerated for a moment. In case of any 

 such threat from abroad, the true policy of the United 

 States would have been to seize the island at once. 



On January 4, 1854, one month after the refusal of the 

 United States to take part in the proposed tripartite conven- 

 tion, Mr. Cass of Michigan introduced into the Senate a 

 joint resolution declaring : 



" The American continents, by the free and independent con- 

 dition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not 

 to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any Euro- 

 pean power. 7 ' And while " existing rights should be respected," 

 and will be by the United States, they owe it to their own " safety 

 and interests" "to announce, as they now do, that no future 

 European colony or dominion shall, with their consent, be planted 

 or established on any part of the North American continent." 

 And should the attempt be made, they thus deliberately declare 

 that it will be viewed as an act originating in motives regardless 

 of their " interests and their safety," and which will leave them 

 free to adopt such measures as an independent nation may justly 

 adopt in defence of its rights and its honor. 



That while the United States disclaim any designs upon the 

 Island of Cuba, inconsistent with the laws of nations and with 

 their duties to Spain, they consider it due to the vast importance 



