=Source.=--_Annual Register_, 1823 (Public Documents).
_President Monroe's Message to Congress, Dec. 2, 1823._
"In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to
themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with
our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded or
seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for
our defence. With the movements in this hemisphere we are, of
necessity, more immediately connected, and by causes which must be
obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers. The political
system of the allied powers is essentially different in this
respect from that of America. This difference proceeds from that
which exists in their respective governments. And to the defence
of our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood
and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of our most enlightened
citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity,
this whole nation is devoted. We owe it, therefore, to candor, and
to the amicable relations existing between the United States and
those powers, to declare that we should consider any attempt on
their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere
as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies
or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered, and
shall not interfere. But with the Governments who have declared
their independence, and maintained it, and whose independence we
have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged,
we could not view any interposition, for the purpose of oppressing
them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any
European power, in any other light than as the manifestation of an
unfriendly disposition towards the United States."