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 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 immediately
connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and
impartial observers....
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 toward the United States.
In the war between those new Governments and Spain we declared our
neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have
adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur
which, in the judgment of the competent authorities of this
Government, shall make a ... change on the part of the United States
indispensable to their security....
Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of
the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe,
nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the
internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government _de
facto_ [_actually ruling_] as the legitimate government for us; to
cultivate friendly relations with it, and to preserve those relations
by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just
claims of every power, submitting to injuries from none. But in regard
to those continents circumstances are eminently and conspicuously
different.
It is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political
system to any portion of either continent [_North or South America_]
without endangering our peace and happiness; nor can anyone believe
that our southern brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt it of
their own accord. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should
behold such interposition in any form with indifference.